MXPA04006847A - Connector assembly for mounting an implement to a prime mover. - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector assembly (10) for attaching an implement (I) to a prime mover (11) having spaced connecting pins (31, 32), the connector assembly including a pair of spaced plates (26), each of the plates carrying a first receiver (21) to receive a first (31) of the connecting pins and a second receiver (22) adapted to receive the second (32) of the connecting pins, wherein at least one (22) of the first and second receivers is an adjustable receiver rotatable about an axis and having a transverse bore (57) spaced radially (R) from the axis (X) and rotatable relative thereto, whereby rotation of the adaptable receiver (22) about the axis changes the relative spacing (50) between the first and second pin receiver.

Description

For two-ietter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-ance Notes on Codes and A bbreviations" appearing at the beginning of the regular issue of the PC Gazette.

CONNECTOR UNIT FOR MOUNTING AN IMPLEMENT IN A FORKLIFT RELATED REQUESTS This application is a continuation in part of the US Patent Application Serial Number 10 / 047,278, filed on January 14, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD In general, the present invention relates to the assembly of implements in a forklift. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connector unit that provides adjustments for variations in the locations of the locking pin, as dictated by the individual manufacturers of attachments and hoists. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connector unit having a receiver for a rotary fixing pin that provides multiple pin spacings along a circumferential path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Equipment for earth moving and demolition, such as excavators and backhoes, are commonly referred to as hoists in the art and include a variety of 52/261/04 2 attachments to carry out the desired task. Some of the commonly used attachments include, among others, a bucket, hydraulic hammer or rammer to which they are collectively referred to herein as implements. The forklift and implement are usually joined by a pair of separate fastening pins. It has been common practice among forklift manufacturers to provide unique separations for pins for forklifts and attachments so that users are forced to buy both the forklift and implement for the same manufacturer. As will be appreciated, this practice limits the user's ability to use purchased attachments for other forklifts and custom attachments from independent manufacturers.

Previously, to use attachments from a different manufacturer, users were trying to machine the implements for a particular pin separation. As you can see, this process is expensive and the independent manufacturers are forced to machine the implements separately for each manufacturer. Recently, a manufacturer tried to build a coupler that could accommodate multiple pin separations. Typically in the art, the coupler has a pair of separate plates with openings aligned in 52/261/04 3 the front and back of the plates that receive a fixing pin. To provide multiple pin separations, slot-like openings are formed in the plates and adapted to receive the adapter plugs defining a perforation corresponding to a selected pin spacing. Each perforation is formed in a position corresponding to a manufacturer. Therefore, to adjust the position of the pin for an individual manufacturer, an adapter plug is inserted which carries a hole with the desired spacing in the slot and the pins are passed through the crane arm of the hoist and the coupler. To provide multiple clearances, multiple adapter plugs should be used that, when using multiple attachments from a wide variety of manufacturers, the forklift owner must carry multiple adapter plugs. As can be seen, transporting multiple plugs can be a drawback and those plugs that are not used tend to be lost or lost so that the user may not have the appropriate adapters when needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector unit for connecting a 52/261/04 4 Implement a forklift that is adapted to provide multiple separations for pins necessary for several manufacturers. It is another object of the present invention to provide a pin receiver having a bore for receiving the pin therein and rotating eccentrically., to provide multiple separations in relation to the other receiver for pin in the receiver. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a connector unit having a pair of spaced apart straight plates, and defining a first receiver for pin and a second receiver for pin having a hub mounted rotatably on the plate carrying the perforation receiving the pin. pin that rotates about the center of the hub to provide multiple separations in relation to the first receivers for the pin. It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector unit having a receiver for a rotating pin that includes a locking unit so that when the receiver for the rotating pin can be indexed and locked in a selected position corresponding to a selected spacing between the Pin receptors on a side plate. Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of receivers for the locking unit formed either in the receiver for the rotating pin or the plate opposite to the 52/261/04 5 working unit so that the receiver for the rotating pin can be indexed to the plurality of selected positions corresponding to the desired separations of the pin. In view of at least one of these objects, the present invention generally provides a connector unit for attaching an implement to a forklift having separate fastening pins, the connector unit includes a pair of separate plates and each of these conveys a first receiver which defines a transverse perforation adapted to receive the first of the fixing pins and a second receiver adapted to receive the second fixing pin, wherein at least some of the first or second receiver is an adjustable receiver that rotates about an axis and has the radially spaced transverse perforation of the y-axis is rotatable relative thereto, wherein the rotation of the adaptive receiver about the axis changes in relation to the separation between the first and second receiving bore of the pin. The present invention further provides a connector unit for attaching an implement to a forklift by means of a first and second connector pin, the connector unit comprising a first receiver adapted to receive one of the connecting pins and a second 52/261/04 6 receiver adapted to receive the other connector pin e where the first receiver can rotate eccentrically about an axis and a matching unit adapted to hold the first receiver at a selected distance relative to the second receiver, the unit includes at least one tooth that it can be coupled with a stop surface to fix the first receiver in the selected separation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIBOJOS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector unit in accordance with the present invention showing a pair of separate plates supporting the first and second receiver for the fixing pin shown with the fixing pins located there, wherein one of the receivers is an adjustable receiver that can rotate at a selected spacing for the pin and a locking unit to keep the receiver adjustable in the selected spacing position; Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of a connector unit showing more details of the connector unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the inside of a side plate in a unit 52/261/04 7 connector according to the present invention showing more details of the connector unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a connector unit shown attached to a partially sectioned implement to show additional details of the connector unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable receiver for pin according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a partially schematic elevated and fragmentary side view of the connector unit showing a selected spacing for a pin receiver in solid lines and additional spacing for receivers which are shown schematically in dashed lines; Figure 5A is a fragmentary elevated side view similar to Figure 5 showing an alternative adjustable receiver unit; Figure 6 is a front elevated view of an adjustable receiver for pin according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic and partially fragmented elevated side view of an implement 52/261/04 8 attached to a forklift by a connector according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view similar to that shown in Figure 1, of an alternative embodiment of a connector unit having an alternative work unit; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an adjustable alternative receiver for pin according to the present invention showing more details about the alternative work unit shown in Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a raised front view of an adjustable alternative receiver for pin shown in Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A connecting unit is generally indicated by the reference number 10, which exemplifies the concepts of the present invention in the accompanying figures. Referring to Figure 7, the connector unit 10 is used in connection with a forklift 11 to secure a working implement I, such as the aforementioned hydraulic hammer, to an articulated crane arm 12 on the hoist 11. The crane arm 12 articulated may include arms 14, 15 of proximal and distal crane with crane arm 14 being rotatably attached to the forklift 52/261/04 9 11, in a manner that is well known in the art. The proximal crane arm 14 can be raised and lowered around the inner end thereof by a piston / cylinder configuration 16A which is rotatably connected between the hoist 11 and a pivot pin 18A that can extend transversely through the proximal crane arm 14 . The inner end portion of the distal crane arm 15 is mounted on the outer end of the proximal crane arm for articulation about the pivoting pin 18B. The articulation of the distal crane arm 12 can be selectively controlled by a piston / cylinder configuration 16B. Specifically, one end of the piston / cylinder configuration is rotatably supported from the proximal crane arm 14 by a rotary pin 18C and another end of the piston / cylinder configuration is secured to a rotary pin 18D extending transversely to the piston / cylinder. through the lever arm portion of the arm 15 for the distal crane at the inner end thereof. Therefore, there are at least two piston / cylinder configurations 16 associated with the crane arm 12. The articulated arm 19 is operatively associated with the distal crane arm 15 for effecting a rotary movement of the connector unit 10 around the outer end of the arm 15 for the distal crane. Specifically, the inner end of a rod 52/261/04 10 20 is rotatably supported on a pivoting pin 18E extending through the arm 15 for the distal crane and the outer end of the connecting rod 20 is rotatably connected not only to the 16C configuration of the piston / cylinder but also to the end inside the articulated arm 19, by means of a rotary pin 18F. The other end of the piston / cylinder configuration 16C is anchored in the inner end portion of the distal crane arm 15 on the rotating pin 18G, in combination with the connecting rod 20, to effect a selective rotary movement of the connector unit 10 by a relative movement of the articulated arm 19 with respect to the arm 20 for the distal crane. The connector unit 10 is secured at the outer end of the distal crane arm 15 by a first pin receiving connector unit 21 and the articulated arm 19 by a second pin receiving connector unit 22. Therefore, the connector unit 10 which is secured to the articulated crane arm provides an operative connection for releasably attaching the implement I thereto and in turn, the articulated crane arm 12 is operatively mounted on the elevator 11. Referring to Figure 1, the connector unit 10 includes a main body, generally indicated by the reference number 25, which has a pair 52/261/04 11 of laterally separated side plates 26 formed integrally or attached to the implement I. As shown, the side plates 26 can be oriented parallel to each other. The side plates 26 may generally be of any shape or profile as dictated by the implement I. More side plates 26 may be die cut to facilitate the operational movement of the implement I or articulated arm 1. For example, as best shown in Figure 2, the inner end 27 of the plates 26 may be provided with a generally flat edge 28 that generally spans a distance corresponding to the first and second receiving unit 21., 22, the side plates 26 can be inwardly flanged at 29 adjacent to the first receiver 21 to provide an operational space for the crane arm or implement I. The extensions, generally indicated by the reference number 30, can be extended from of the side plates 26 or form part thereof to facilitate the joining of the plates 26 with an implement I, as would be by means of welds or fasteners F. If necessary, the extensions 30, as shown in Figure 3, can be extended inward in lateral direction to attach an implement I of a lateral dimension smaller than the side plates 26. It will be appreciated that other 52/261/04 12 variations in the implement I can be similarly accommodated with the extensions 30 or plates 26. Although the implement I is shown attached to the connector unit 10, it is to be appreciated that the connector unit 10 can alternatively form an integral part of the implement I. Each side plate 26 carries a first and second receiver 21, 22 of the connector pin adapted to receive the connector pins 31, 32. Since the side plates 26 are of similar structure, for simplicity, the receivers 21, 22 will be described with reference to only a single side plate 26, with similar structures on each plate identified by the same reference number in the Figures. In the example shown, only one pin receiver, in this case the second pin receiver 22 is made adjustable. The receiver 21 for the remaining pin is fixed, but it can be seen that either one or both of the pin receivers 21, 22 can be made adjustable, as described in more detail below. According to the concepts of the present invention, the connector unit 10 is provided with at least one rotatable pin adjustable receiver 22, mentioned in detail below, on a side plate 26. In the example shown, the second receiver 22 is adjustable. The adjustable receiver 22 provides multiple relative spacings for the pin (Figure 5) 52/261/04 13 between the first and second receiver 21, 22 of the rotary pin of the side plate 26. When only a single adjustable pin receiver is incorporated in side plate 26, the movement is relative to a fixed pin-connector receiver. However, it can be appreciated that both connector pin receivers 21, 22 may be of the adjustable pin receiver type, so that the adjustment can be made at either or both of the receiving locations of the pivot pin on the side plate 26. When a single adjustable pin receiver is used as shown, the first pin receiver 21 can be fixed to the side plate 26 and can have a construction conventionally used in the connector art. For example, the first pin receiver 21 can include a first transverse bore 33 dimensioned to be able to receive the first connector pin 31. The first connector pin 21 can be fixed and located as close as possible to the hoist 11. A reinforcement flange can be extended axially outwardly from the side plate 26 around the circumference of the perforation 33 to provide a reinforced thrust surface. Alternatively, the first connector pin receiver 21 may include a plug-like insert, generally indicated by the reference number 35, adapted to fit within the bore 33, 52/261/04 14 in this case it should be sized and shaped to accommodate the insert 35. In Figure 1A one of the inserts 35 is shown and generally includes an insert portion 36 adapted to fit within the bore 33 with a cylindrical internal surface defining a first bore 37 for receiving the pin, sized to receive the first connector pin 31, and a collar portion 38 extending radially outwardly from the insert portion defining a edge 39 which engages the outer side surface 41 of the side plate 26 in axial form. To facilitate the insertion of the insert 35, its leading edge 34 can be grooved. Once inserted, the insert 35 can be secured to the side plate 26 by welding as shown or other fastening means common in the art. A protection unit generally indicated by the reference number 40, in Figure 3, can be provided on the side plate 26 or the insert 35 for axially fixing the connector pin 31 once received within the first pin receiving bore 37. . For example, as shown in Figure 3, the clamp unit 40 may include a protective receiver, generally indicated by the reference number 43, as a pair of aligned protective holes 44 that open in the bore 37 of the locking pin. 52/261/04 15 so that the clamp member, generally indicated by the reference number 45, as a pin or bolt 46, can be inserted through the collar 38 and / or connector pin 31 to axially engage with the connector pin 31 in each respective side plate 26 . Other manufacturers use connector pins 31, 32 of different lengths and / or diameters in relation to their competitors. To accommodate the connector pins 31, 32 of different lengths or diameters, the pin receivers 21, 22 may be adapted to provide extensions or inserts as additional bearings that extend to accommodate the various lengths of pins and decrease the diameter of the receiving bore 37. of the passer. In addition to using connecting pins 31, 32 of different lengths and diameters, the manufacturers employ unique pin spacings, generally indicated at 50 (FIG. 5) which are measured as the distance between the centers 51, 52 of the pins for the purposes of description, for the attachment of implements I to the forklift 11. As previously mentioned, one or both of the pin receiving units 21, 22 can be made adjustable to give rise to the relative spacings 50 of the first and second pivoting pin 31, 32 required by a particular manufacturer. In the 52/261/04 16 In the embodiment shown, the second receiving unit 22 of the pin is an adjustable pin receiver. The second pin receiver 22 is separated from the first receiving unit 21 of the pin and is provided with a second bore 57 for receiving the pin for attaching the implement I to the hoist 11. The second receiving bore 57 of the pin is in this case, radially spaced from an X axis and rotatable about this X axis to allow variation of the distance 50 between the first and second centers 51, 52 of the pin receiving hole effected by rotating the centers 52 of the bore about the X axis It should be appreciated that the configuration used to effect this rotation may vary widely and therefore, one form is not considered to be preferred over the other. For example, the second receiver 22 of the pin may be located on a member, such as an arm attached adjacent to the side plate 20, which separates the center 52 from the receiving hole 57 radially from the X axis and rotatably attached on the X axis. so that the second receiver 22 of the pin can rotate in different angular positions along a circumferential path 58 (Figure 5). The side plate 26 will then be provided with a suitable opening for accommodating the connector pin 32 in multiple positions such as a multiple slot or openings 52/261/04 17 correspond to the desired positions along the circumferential path 58 of the second pin receiving center 52, as could be separations 50 corresponding to the individual manufacturers. Another possible adjustable configuration for the pin receiver, which is shown in the figures, includes a hub unit, generally indicated by the reference number 60 in Figures 4 and 6, which has a center corresponding to the X axis, supported rotatably within a bore 61 for the hub (Figure 1A) that is formed in a side plate 26. The hub unit 60 includes a cylindrical body 63 of the hub that is received within a circular bore 61 for the hub (Figure 1A) defined by the side plate 26 with sufficient clearance to allow relative rotation between the cylindrical body 63 of the hub and the side plate 26. To facilitate rotation of the hub body 63, the adjacent surfaces of the side plate 26 can be lubricated. and the hub 63 or suitable perforations can be used to reduce the friction therebetween. The hub unit 60 may be provided with a ribbed end 64 to facilitate installation of the hub body 63 through the side plate 26. A circumferential groove 78 can be formed within the hub body 63 into the ribbed end 79 join a ring 52/261/04 18 lock 77 and side plate 26, as shown in Figure 1 A. The second pin receiving unit 22 in cube unit 60 may include a transverse bore 57 that is formed inside body 63 of the hub adapted to receive the second connector pin 32, or the pin receiving insert as would be the insert 35 described above, which may be used in combination with the hub unit 60. In the embodiment shown, a collar 65 (Figure 6) may be formed on or attached to the cylindrical body 63 of the hub, by welding as shown and placed in register with the second receiving hole 57 of the pin as shown in FIG. Figure 5. Like the insert 35, the collar 65 can be provided with a clamp unit 40 to axially fix the second connector pin 32 within the second pin receiving bore 57. Also as described above, suitable bearings or extensions may be used to adapt the receiving bore 57 to the determined dimensions of the rotary pin. The second receiving hole 57 of the pin is adapted to receive the second pivoting pin 32 and is radially separated from the center of the body 63 of the hub, which is located on the X axis so that the rotation of the 52/261/04 19 The hub body 63 causes variation in the distance of the center 52 of the second bore 57 and the center 51 of the first bore 37. In this way, to take into account the various spacings 50 of the manufacturers, the hub body 63 can be rotated to increase or decrease the separation 50, so that the second perforation 57 assumes the any position necessary for the separation 50 of the selected manufacturer. Thus, the connector unit 10 provides a universal joint for an implement I to a forklift 11 in a single autonomous system. Although a single radial spacing R of the second bore 57 of the X axis is shown, it is to be appreciated that this spacing R may vary as necessary to adjust the length of the circumferential path 58. Once the spacing 50 of the pin is achieved. As desired, the connecting pins 31, 32 can be inserted through the receiving units 21, 22 of the pin and the arms 15, 19 of the crane arm 12 and fixed there by clamps 40. To lock the adjustable receiver 22 in the desired position , a working unit, generally indicated by the reference number 70, which is provided to selectively lock the body 63 of the hub in the desired position can be provided. In general, the work unit includes any means for rotatably fixing the body 63 of the hub 52/261/04 20 in relation to the side plate 26 including, members of clamping presses, clamping pins, set screws, brake units or an actuator or actuator capable of maintaining the position of the hub. In the embodiment shown, for example, the keys 73 extend from the side plate 12 to be received within the openings 74 formed on a key receiver, generally indicated by the reference number 75, which may be a tab or an annular flange 75, as shown. The radially extending flange 75 rests adjacent to one side of the side plate 26, which for example can be the inner side and is provided with key receivers adapted to receive the keys and resist rotation of the hub unit 60. In the embodiment shown, to provide a reliable fixation of the hub, the work unit 70 includes a pair of diametrically opposed keys 73. Accordingly, the flange 75 includes one or more pairs of receivers 74 adapted to engage with the keys 73. To provide the multiple preset positions of the spacer separations, multiple pairs of receivers 74 are formed on the flange 75 so that the The hub body 63 can be easily moved to another selected position by rotating the flange 75 until the desired pair of receivers 74 is aligned with the keyways 73. Therefore, as 52/261/04 21 By knowing the spacings 50 for the different pin manufacturers 31, 32, additional receivers 21 can be machined into the flange 75 for the purposes of defining the predetermined fixing positions. It is to be appreciated that the position of the keys 73 and the key receivers 74 can be reversed so that the pins 73 extend from the flange 75 and the receivers 74 are formed in the side plate 26. To move the body 63 of the hub between the selected positions, it is movable in the axial direction relative to the side plate 26, so that in the example shown, the body 63 of the hub is pushed in until the key 73 is released from the key receivers 74. With the keys 73 uncoupled, the body 63 of the hub can be rotated to the next desired position. To couple the keys 73, these, and the receiver 74, are aligned and the hub body 63 slides axially outward to reattach the keys 73 and receivers 74 which fix the rotation of the hub body 63 in the new selected position . A washer 76 and a locking ring 77 or other suitable fastening devices can be used to fix this axial position of the hub body 63 so that the keys 73 and / or the second connecting pin 32 are not released 52/261/04 22 inadvertently during the operation of the implement I. To accommodate the locking ring 77, the body 63 of the hub may be provided with an annular groove 78 which, as shown, can be defined within the end 79 of the hub in the opposite direction to the locking flange 75 . Another working unit 70 'is shown in Figure 5A. The components of the work unit 70 'are similar to those of the work unit 70 and likewise, the similar components have the same reference number. As noted above, variations in the components are indicated by attaching a premium (') to the reference number. In the unit 70 ', semicircular notches 67 are formed in the body 63 of the hub. A pair of key receivers 74 'is formed in the side plate 26. In order to maintain the hub body 63 in the selected position, the notches 67 are aligned with the key receivers 74' and with the pin 73 'inserted. The pin 73 'can be secured within the receiver 74' and the notches 67, by means of fasteners, an interference fit, threads or with the locking ring 77 shown. In the embodiment shown, the pin 73 'is dimensioned so as to extend axially from the receiver 74 to a point proximate the notch 78, so that when it is attached, the ring 77 engages with the pin 73' to keep it in place. its place. 52/261/04 23 Figure 5 shows schematically the adjustment of the spacing 50 between the first and second receivers 21, 22. As shown in Figure 5, the center 52 of the connector pin receiver can be located at any point on the circumferential path 58 defined by the body. 63 of the rotating cube. Four possible second locations for the pin receptors identified by the combinations of numbers and reference letters 52A, 52B, 52C and 52D are shown as an example. Each location of the center 52 of the perforation may correspond to an individual manufacturer of forklifts or implements. As mentioned previously, multiple slave receivers 74 can be used to define these predetermined positions. In this case, three pairs of receivers 74A, 74B and 74C are used for key to define three pairs of central positions 52A, 52B and 52C. It is to be appreciated that the location of the pairs includes a first position for the key engaging 73 and the receiver 74 and a second coupled position corresponding to a 180 ° rotation of the hub body 63 to align the same pins 73 and holes 74. As an example, central positions 52A and 52D correspond to positions obtainable using receivers 74A. Corresponding to each position is a relative separation 50A, 50B, 50C and 50D of the first center 51 of the second center 52, as 52/261/04 24 second center 52 rotates to any of central positions 52A, 52B, 52C or 52D. although these gaps 50 are shown as an example, any spacing 50 along the circumferential path 58 can be achieved, and if necessary, the radial distance of the centers 52 of the X axis can be increased or decreased to accommodate larger or smaller gaps 50 of the pins. During operation, to change from a pin spacing 50 to another, for example, a movement from a pin spacing 50A to a pin spacing 50B, the user would have to release the working unit 70, as would be removing the driving ring 77 , move the body 63 of the hub axially to uncouple the keys 73 from the receiver 74A, then rotate the hub body 63 to align the receivers 74B with the keys 73 and re-engage the hub unit 60 by moving the hub body 63 axially to couple the keys 73 and the receivers 74B of the keys. Once located radially, the hub body 63 can be locked axially as would be replacing the locking ring 73 to inhibit axial movement of the hub body 63. Having determined the desired clearance, a second pin 32 can be inserted through the second pin bore 57, the articulated arm 19 and the second receiving bore 57 for the pin to complete the joint 52/261/04 25 of the implement I. At this point, the implement I is engaged in the spacing 50B of the pin and clamps 44 can be inserted in the clamp unit 40 to axially fix the pin 32. In this example, the setting of the spacing 50 of the pin is carried out in connection with a first fixed bore 21 but as previously mentioned, the first bore 21 could be made adjustable, in the form of a second receiving hole 22 for the pin so that, either one or both bores 21, 22 receiving pins can be rotated to alter the spacing 50 from each other. An alternative connector unit, generally indicated by the reference number 110, is shown in Figures 8-10. Since several of the components are shared with the previously described embodiment, similar reference numbers will be used to refer to similar components. For simplicity, only a general reference will be made to the components shared with the connector unit 10 previously described. With reference to Figure 8, there is shown an alternative working unit 170 in connection with an adjustable receiver 22, described above and finally including at least one protrusion, for example, a tooth 172 adapted to couple a stop surface 174 for fixing in a manner rotating receiver 22 adjustable on 52/261/04 26 the selected position. In the example shown, a plurality of teeth 172 extends radially outwardly from the body 163 of the hub of the hub unit 160 that forms a flange 175 having a corrugated locking periphery 178. As will be appreciated, the tooth 172 may generally have any shape including but limited to a round, rectilinear, arched or triangular shape as shown. The receivers of corresponding locking members, generally indicated by the reference number 176 as notches 177, may be formed on the plate or a member attached thereto, to receive the tooth 172. It is to be appreciated that the location of the locking member and the receiving structures 172, 176 can be reversed, for example, the flange 175 of the hub unit 60 can be provided with receivers for receiving a locking member 172 extending from the side plate 26. In the example shown, the presence of a row continuous teeth 172 around the periphery 178 of the flange 175 and a corresponding receiver 176 having a continuous row of notches 177 adapted to receive the teeth 172 and effectively create a side plate 126 and hub 160 having as many teeth as notches that are interrelate to keep the cube unit 60 in the selected position. It is to be appreciated that the receiver 176 of the member 52/261/04 27 The stopper may be formed in the side plate 126. Optionally, to provide additional reinforcement, a triangular reinforcing plate, generally indicated by the reference number 180, may extend axially outward from the side plate 126 to reinforce the surrounding portion. the perforation 161 formed in the side plate 126. As can be appreciated, the triangular reinforcing plate 180 can be located on either side of the side plate 126. In the example shown, the receiver 176 of the locking member is formed in the triangular reinforcing plate 180 so that the locking unit 170 of the hub 160 fits within the triangular reinforcing plate 180. To provide a flush fit between the unit 160 of the hub and the triangular reinforcing plate 180, the thickness of the same, generally indicated in the reference number 181, can be made equal to the thickness, generally indicated in the reference number 182 of the flange 175. Alternative If the triangular reinforcing plates 180 have a thickness greater than 181 than the flange 175, the receiver 176 can extend towards the triangular reinforcing plate 180 to a depth equal to that of the thickness 182 of the flange 175. It can be the operation of the alternative unit 160 of the hub in accordance with the above description, if generally, the locking member 171 is 52/261/04 28 uncoupling from the stop surface 174, is rotated to a selected position corresponding to the appropriate spacing 50 for the pin for a given implement I or forklifts 11. Once in the selected position, the cube unit 160 engages with the work unit 170 to prevent rotation of the cube unit 160. In the example shown in Figure 8, the work unit 170 is uncoupled when moving. the unit 160 of the hub axially outward to remove the teeth 172 from the confines of the notches 177 in the triangular reinforcing plate 180. Once released from the notches 177, the hub unit 160 can be rotated to the selected position. Then, to engage the locking unit 170, the hub unit moves axially inwardly so that the teeth are inserted into the notches 177 to prevent rotation of the hub unit 160. As in the previous embodiment, for preventing axial movement of the hub unit 160, a suitable axial locking can be used, for example, a locking ring 77. As can be seen, the operation of the hub unit 160 to adjust the gap 50 between the first bore 21 and the second perforation 22 can be carried out in the same manner as described in the previous embodiment. Now it should be evident, that this 52/261/04 29 invention shows a connector unit that exemplifies the concepts of the present invention and allows the separation of the connector pin receivers to adapt to the unique pin spacings of the various manufacturers. The above description of the exemplary embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to exhaust or limit the invention to the precise form described. Modifications or variations are possible described from the above findings without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the invention. Therefore, for an appreciation of the scope of the invention, reference should be made to the following claims. 52/261/04

Claims (1)

1. 30 CLAIMS 1. A connector unit for attaching an implement to a forklift having separate connecting pins, characterized in that it comprises: a pair of separate plates; each of the plates carries a first receiver adapted to receive a first connector pin and a second receiver for receiving the second connector pin, wherein at least some of the first and second receivers is adjustable and rotatable about an axis and has a transverse perforation radially spaced from this axis that can rotate relative thereto, wherein the rotation of the adaptive receiver about the axis changes the relative spacing between the first and second receivers of the pin. 2. The connector unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plates are part of a bracket for mounting. 3. The connector unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plates are part of the implement. The connector unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a fixing unit or lock associated with at least one of the adaptable receivers that is adapted to maintain the 52/261/04 31 adaptive receiver in the selected position in relation to the side plate. 5. The connector unit according to claim 4, further characterized in that the locking unit includes a locking member and a locking member receiver that is respectively formed in either of the plates or in the adaptive receiver, wherein the locking member and the The receiver for the locking member selectively engage to maintain the second receiving hole of the pin in the selected position. The connector unit according to claim 5, further characterized in that the locking member includes a key and the key receiver includes a key hole sized to receive the key. The connector unit according to claim 5, further characterized in that the locking unit includes a plurality of locking members and receiving members adapted to hold the second connecting pin in any of the various positions selected. The connector unit according to claim 5, further characterized in that the second receiver of the pin moves axially to an unlocked position, wherein the receiver rotates freely from a 52/261/04 32 coupled position where the locking unit holds the receiver in the selected position. . The connector according to claim 8, further characterized in that it comprises a locking ring adapted to axially fix the receiver in relation to the side plate. The connector unit according to claim 5, further characterized in that the locking member includes a protrusion and the receiver of the locking member includes a stop surface engageable with the protrusion to rotatably fix the adjustable receiver. The connector unit according to claim 4, further characterized in that the locking unit includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth and a plurality of notches that correspond to the teeth. The connector unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the adaptive receiver includes a hub unit that is rotatably supported on the plate, this hub unit includes a hub body having a center located on the shaft, where the cube rotates freely in relation to the plate on the center of the cube, where the second receiver of the pin is formed on the body of this cube. 52/261/04 33 13. The connector unit according to claim 12, further characterized in that a locking unit is adapted to engage with the body of the plate hub in a selected position. 1 . The connector unit according to claim 12, further characterized in that it comprises a flange extending radially from the hub body adjacent to the plate, wherein the locking unit engages with the flange on the plate. The connector unit according to claim 14, further characterized in that the flange or plate carries a receiver adapted to receive a locking member carried on the other flange on the other plate. 16. The connector unit according to claim 15, further characterized in that the locking receiver includes an opening and the locking member includes a pin adapted to be able to be received, at least partially, in the opening. 17. The connector unit according to claim 16, further characterized in that the flange is annular. The connector unit according to claim 13, further characterized in that the locking unit includes a receiver for the locking member formed on the plate and a notch formed on the body 52/261/04 34 of the hub adapted to at least partially receive a insertable locking member within the receiver, wherein cooperative reception of the locking member in the notch and receiver of the locking member couples the hub body to the plate in a selected position. The connector unit according to claim 18, further characterized in that it comprises a locking ring adapted to hold the locking member in the notch and the receiver. 20. The connector unit according to claim 19, further characterized in that it comprises an annular groove formed in the body of the hub and adapted to maintain the locking ring engaged with the locking member. 21. A connector unit for attaching an implement to a forklift by means of first and second connector pins, characterized in that the connector unit comprises: a first receiver adapted to receive a connector pin and a second receiver adapted to receive the other connector pin; wherein the first receiver can rotate eccentrically about an axis; and a working unit to maintain the first receiver in a selected separation in relation to 52/261/04 35 the second receiver, the locking unit includes a engagable locking member with a stop surface for fixing the first receiver in the selected space. 22. The connector unit according to claim 21, further characterized in that the abutment surface defines a receiver for the locking member adapted to receive the same. 23. The connector unit according to claim 22, further characterized in that the receiver of the locking member is a notch. 24. The connector unit according to claim 21, further characterized in that the locking member includes a protrusion. 25. The connector unit according to claim 24, further characterized in that the protrusion is in the form of a radially extending tooth. 26. The connector unit according to claim 21, further characterized in that the locking member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending teeth and wherein the abutting surface defines a plurality of notches that are corresponding to the teeth. 27. The connector unit for attaching an implement 52/261/04 36 to a forklift having separate connecting pins, characterized in that it comprises: a pair of separate plates; the plates define a plurality of receiving holes for the pins, adapted to receive the connecting pins; wherein at least one of the receivers is mounted on a chaving an axis spaced from the axis of the receiver; the hub can rotate so that the receiver is rotatable about the hub axis; and a work unit transported on the hub to rotatably and selectively fix the hub in relation to the plate, to define a selected spacing between the receivers. The connector unit according to claim 27, further characterized in that the locking unit includes a locking member and a locking receiver located respectively on any of the plates and the hub, wherein the locking member is engageable with the locking member receiver. to rotatably fix the position of the c 29. The connector unit according to claim 28, further characterized in that the locking member includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the hub. 52/261/04 37 30. The connector unit according to claim 27, further characterized in that the locking member includes a plurality of radially extending teeth and the receiver of the locking member includes a plurality of notches adapted for the teeth. The connector unit according to claim 29, further characterized in that the hub includes a radially extending flange, the teeth extend radially and outwardly from the flange and the plate defines the notches. 32. The connector unit according to claim 30, further characterized in that the teeth form a continuous row around the periphery of the flange and wherein the side plate defines a continuous row of notches for receiving the teeth. 52/261/04