US20170089029A1 - System and method of attaching and detaching a loader attachment implement - Google Patents

System and method of attaching and detaching a loader attachment implement Download PDF

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Publication number
US20170089029A1
US20170089029A1 US15/216,376 US201615216376A US2017089029A1 US 20170089029 A1 US20170089029 A1 US 20170089029A1 US 201615216376 A US201615216376 A US 201615216376A US 2017089029 A1 US2017089029 A1 US 2017089029A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
loader
actuator
attachment
pin portion
implement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/216,376
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English (en)
Inventor
Daniel Esqueda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Deere and Co
Original Assignee
Deere and Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Deere and Co filed Critical Deere and Co
Priority to US15/216,376 priority Critical patent/US20170089029A1/en
Priority to CA2938560A priority patent/CA2938560A1/en
Assigned to DEERE & COMPANY reassignment DEERE & COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ESQUEDA, DANIEL
Priority to EP16190932.0A priority patent/EP3150767B1/de
Publication of US20170089029A1 publication Critical patent/US20170089029A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36—Component parts
    • E02F3/3604—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
    • E02F3/3609—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat
    • E02F3/3631—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat with a hook and a transversal locking element
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36—Component parts
    • E02F3/3695—Arrangements for connecting dipper-arms to loaders or graders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B59/00—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
    • A01B59/06—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors
    • A01B59/061—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors specially adapted for enabling connection or disconnection controlled from the driver's seat
    • A01B59/063—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors specially adapted for enabling connection or disconnection controlled from the driver's seat the connection comprising longitudinally oriented tang-and-sheath elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B59/00—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
    • A01B59/06—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors
    • A01B59/064—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors for connection to the front of the tractor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/34—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36—Component parts
    • E02F3/3604—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
    • E02F3/3609—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat
    • E02F3/3668—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat where engagement is effected by a mechanical lever or handle
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36—Component parts
    • E02F3/3604—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
    • E02F3/3609—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat
    • E02F3/3672—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat where disengagement is effected by a mechanical lever or handle

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism that selectively locks a loader attachment implement to a loader system.
  • a utility vehicle e.g., a tractor
  • a utility vehicle e.g., a tractor
  • loader attachment implements may take the form of, for example, a bucket, a hay bale fork, a grapple, a blade, or the like in order to perform a specific task desired by the operator of the utility vehicle.
  • a locking mechanism is manipulated by the operator to secure or unsecure the loader attachment implement to the tractor.
  • the disclosure provides a loader system for a utility vehicle.
  • the utility vehicle includes a cab configured to seat an operator for control of the utility vehicle.
  • the loader system includes a loader attachment implement and a loader attachment carrier to selectively couple the loader attachment implement to the utility vehicle.
  • the loader system also includes a locking subassembly having an actuator positioned adjacent the cab and manually operable from the cab and a pin portion adjacent the loader attachment implement and movable in a first direction in response to actuation of the actuator between a locked position and an unlocked position.
  • the loader attachment implement uniformly moves with the loader attachment carrier, and when the pin portion is in an unlocked position, the loader attachment implement is non-uniformly movable with the loader attachment carrier.
  • Manipulation of the actuator in a first direction moves a linkage member of the mechanical linkage from a first position in which a loader attachment implement is uniformly movable with the attachment carrier to a second position in which the loader attachment implement is non-uniformly movable with the loader attachment carrier.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle coupled to a loader attachment implement in the form of a bucket according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the loader system of FIG. 1 including a locking mechanism.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2 in an unlocked position.
  • FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 3 illustrating a pin portion of the locking mechanism disengaged from the loader attachment implement.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating an actuator portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2 in a first position.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the actuator portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2 in a second position.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 3 in a locked position.
  • FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 7 illustrating the pin portion of the locking mechanism engaged with the loader attachment implement.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating the locking mechanism of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a loader system including a locking mechanism selectively coupled to a loader attachment implement in the form of a bucket according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 10 in an unlocked position.
  • FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 11 illustrating a pin portion of the locking mechanism disengaged from the loader attachment implement.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an actuator portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 10 in a first position.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the actuator portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 10 in a second position.
  • FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the locking mechanism exteriorly routed to a loader boom of the loader system of FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 11 in a locked position.
  • FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 15 illustrating the pin portion of the locking mechanism engaged with the loader attachment implement.
  • FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating the locking mechanism of FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a utility vehicle 10 with a loader system 14 .
  • the utility vehicle 10 is illustrated as a tractor; however, the utility vehicle 10 may be, for example, a skid steer, a riding lawn mower, or other utility vehicle.
  • a prime mover 18 supplies torque through a transmission 22 to at least one of a plurality of wheels 26 to move the utility vehicle 10 .
  • Two of the wheels 26 may be powered by the prime mover 18 or all four wheels 26 may be powered by the prime mover 18 .
  • the utility vehicle 10 may include more than four wheels with the prime mover 18 supplying torque to some or all of the wheels.
  • the wheels 26 may be replaced or modified with a continuous track.
  • the prime mover 18 may include any power source to provide rotational driveline power, for example, an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic motor, a hydrostatic system, an electric motor, etc.
  • a cab area 30 provides an operator control of the utility vehicle 10 .
  • the illustrated cab 30 includes a chair 34 , a steering wheel 38 , and a plurality of controls.
  • the operator is generally positioned in the chair 34 while steering the utility vehicle 10 via the steering wheel 38 and operating the plurality of controls.
  • the steering wheel 38 may comprise a plurality of levers to control the direction of movement of the utility vehicle 10 through the prime mover 18 and/or the transmission 22 .
  • the plurality of controls are also coupled to other components on the utility vehicle 10 , e.g., a hydraulic system, an auxiliary drive shaft, etc. and may be in the form of electrical switches, mechanical actuators, or a combination thereof.
  • the loader system 14 is operable by the utility vehicle 10 and includes fixed frame members 42 , detachable frame members 46 , a loader boom 50 , loader attachment carriers 54 , and a loader attachment implement 58 .
  • the fixed frame members 42 are each attached to a side of the utility vehicle 10 and in some embodiments may be a single integral component extending between both sides of the utility vehicle 10 .
  • the illustrated frame members 46 are each selectively attachable to a respective fixed frame member 42 .
  • An actuator e.g., a lever (not shown), may provide a locking mechanism between the detachable frame members 46 and the fixed frame members 42 .
  • the loader system 14 is therefore connected to the utility vehicle 10 by the connection between the frame members 42 , 46 .
  • the frame members 42 , 46 are located between the wheels 26 , e.g., front and back wheels and adjacent the cab 30 .
  • the operator positioned in the chair 34 of the cab 30 can, during vehicle operation, contact a portion of the detachable frame members 46 , as will be described in detail below.
  • the frame members 42 , 46 may be one integral member fixedly attached to the utility vehicle 10 .
  • the loader boom 50 is attached to the detachable frame members 46 about a first pivot axis 62 .
  • the illustrated loader boom 50 is operable to move about the first pivot axis 62 by boom hydraulic cylinders 66 , which are attached between the detachable frame members 46 and the loader boom 50 .
  • the illustrated loader boom 50 defines two arms 70 each associated with a respective detachable frame member 46 on each side of the vehicle 10 with a support member 74 connecting the arms 70 .
  • the attachment carriers 54 are secured to an associated arm 70 about a second pivot axis 78 . Additionally, carrier hydraulic cylinders 82 extend from each arm 70 to a respective attachment carrier 54 and are operable by the hydraulic system of the utility vehicle 10 to rotate the attachment carriers 54 about the second pivot axis 78 .
  • a lateral portion 72 of one of the attachment carriers 54 defines an opening 90 and forms a housing 94 surrounding the opening 90 .
  • the illustrated housing 94 defines a three-sided member with an upper aperture 98 aligning with an opposing lower aperture 102 .
  • the lateral portion 72 of the attachment carrier 54 that defines the opening 90 also defines a shield 106 positioned externally from the housing 94 to protect the housing 94 from damage during operation of the loader system 14 .
  • both carriers 54 may include the opening 90 and the housing 94 .
  • the housing 94 is coupled to the lateral portion 72 of the attachment carrier 54 and the shield 106 via a welding operation but may be formed by any suitable method in other embodiments.
  • the illustrated loader attachment implement 58 is illustrated as a bucket. In other embodiments, however, the loader attachment implement 58 may be a sweep cleaner, hay bale fork, hay bale hugger, grapple, scraper, pallet fork, debris blower, blade, snow pusher, or the like for performing a specific task.
  • hooks 110 are affixed to the loader attachment implement 58 and are configured to engage a respective engagement pin 86 of the attachment carrier 54 .
  • protrusions 114 extend from a rear face 116 of the loader attachment implement 58 and are sized to be received within the opening 90 of the attachment carrier 54 ( FIG. 4 ).
  • the protrusions 114 include an aperture 118 extending therethrough.
  • the loader attachment implement 58 may include only one protrusion 114 that aligns with only one of the two attachment carriers 54 .
  • a protrusion 114 on each side of the implement 58 may be employed to mate with an opening 90 in each attachment carrier 54 .
  • a locking mechanism 122 attached to the loader system 14 provides operator control to lock or unlock the loader attachment implement 58 to the attachment carrier 54 .
  • one locking mechanism 122 is attached to the loader system 14 ; however, in other embodiments, multiple locking mechanisms 122 may be attached to the loader system 14 on one or both sides of the vehicle 10 .
  • the locking mechanism 122 includes a mechanical actuator 126 operably attached to one of the detachable frame members 46 .
  • the illustrated actuator 126 is positioned adjacent the cab 30 to facilitate operator usage from the cab 30 .
  • the actuator 126 is illustrated as a knob that engages a threaded fitting 124 of the detachable frame member 46 .
  • a biasing member 130 ( FIG. 6 ) is coupled between the actuator 126 and the threaded fitting 124 to bias the actuator 126 towards the detachable frame member 46 .
  • the biasing member 130 as illustrated is a compression coil spring; however, in other embodiments, the biasing member 130 may be an elastic member, e.g., a sheath, a bushing, etc.
  • the actuator 126 is positionable in a locked position ( FIG. 5 ) or an unlocked position ( FIG. 6 ).
  • the actuator 126 is rotatable in a first rotational direction 128 , e.g., counterclockwise, to unlock the actuator 126 from the threaded fitting 124 to move the actuator 126 in a first axial direction 132 away from the detachable frame member 46 .
  • the actuator 126 is also movable in a second axial direction 136 and thereafter rotatable in a second rotational direction 141 , e.g., clockwise, to lock the actuator 126 to the threaded fitting 124 and eliminate inadvertent axial movement of the actuator 126 .
  • the actuator 126 may be in the form of a pivoting lever or T-handle mechanism.
  • the actuator 126 is attached to a mechanical linkage 134 in the form of a flexible sheathed cable assembly.
  • the sheathed cable 134 is exteriorly routed along one of the arms 70 of the loader boom 50 ( FIG. 2 ) and is secured to the attachment carrier 54 by a fitting 138 fixed within the upper aperture 98 ( FIG. 4 ). In other embodiments, the sheathed cable 134 may be routed interiorly within one of the arms 70 .
  • the sheathed cable 134 is similar to a Bowden cable in that it comprises an inner cable body 140 within a sheath 144 , with the inner cable 140 slidable relative to the sheath 144 .
  • the inner cable 140 is an integral member continuous along the length of the sheathed cable 134 and is formed with or otherwise includes a pin portion 142 at least partially receivable within the fitting 138 ( FIG. 4 ). Movement of the pin portion 142 is dependent upon movement of the actuator 126 . In other embodiments, the pin portion 142 may be a separate portion of the inner cable 140 and more rigid than the inner cable 140 to inhibit shearing of the pin portion 142 . The pin portion 142 is biased to extend from the fitting 138 by virtue of the interaction between the biasing member 130 and the actuator 126 , but in further embodiments the previously described biasing member 130 may be alternatively located between the fitting 138 and the pin portion 142 to bias the pin portion 142 out of the fitting 138 .
  • one method 146 of connecting and/or disconnecting the loader attachment implement 58 from the attachment carrier 54 without the operator leaving the cab 30 is illustrated.
  • the locking mechanism 122 is manually operable by the operator without utilizing additional power sources (e.g., hydraulics, motors, etc.).
  • the actuator 126 With a first attachment implement 58 operably coupled to the carrier 54 ( FIG. 8 ), in step 150 the actuator 126 is rotated in the first rotational direction 128 ( FIG. 5 ) for disengagement with the threaded fitting 124 .
  • the operator moves the actuator 126 (step 154 ) in the first axial direction 132 ( FIG. 6 ).
  • the actuator 126 acts against the biasing force of the biasing member 130 and moves the inner cable 140 within the sheath 144 such that the pin portion 142 clears the aperture 118 into the unlocked position ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
  • the actuator 126 may be maintained in the extended position of FIG. 6 , which allows the pin portion 142 to temporarily remain in the unlocked position without the operator's input.
  • the first attachment implement 58 can be disconnected from the attachment carrier 54 .
  • the operator positions the first attachment implement 58 on the ground and then manipulates the attachment carrier 54 about the second pivot axis 78 to disengage the protrusion 114 from the opening 90 .
  • the attachment carrier 54 is rotatable relative to the first attachment implement 58 via engagement between the engagement pins 86 and the hooks 110 about a third pivot axis 152 .
  • the operator manipulates the loader boom 50 about the first axis 62 to detach the engagement pins 86 from the hooks 110 .
  • the operator aligns the engagement pins 86 with the hooks 110 of the second implement 58 by at least one of steering the utility vehicle 10 via the steering wheel 38 , actuating the boom hydraulic cylinders 66 to rotate the loader boom 50 about the first pivot axis 62 , and actuating the carrier hydraulic cylinders 82 to rotate the attachment carrier 54 about the second pivot axis 78 .
  • the second loader attachment implement 58 is rotatable relative to the attachment carrier 54 about the engagement pins 86 .
  • the operator manipulates the attachment carrier 54 about the second pivot axis 78 such that the openings 90 rotate over the protrusions 114 . In this position, the aperture 118 aligns with the pin portion 142 and the lower aperture 102 of the housing 94 .
  • step 158 may be performed in stages with steps 150 , 154 between the stages.
  • the engagement pins 86 may first engage the hooks 110 , steps 150 , 154 may be performed, and then the protrusions 114 may be received within the openings 90 .
  • the locking mechanism 122 is then operable to lock the second loader attachment implement 58 to the attachment carrier 54 for uniform co-rotational movement, e.g., an amount of rotational movement of the attachment carriers 54 is directly transferred to the second loader attachment implement 58 .
  • the operator releases the actuator 126 (step 162 ), which returns in the second axial direction 136 toward the threaded fitting 124 in response to the biasing member 130 ( FIG. 6 ) and slides the inner cable 140 through the sheath 144 .
  • the pin portion 142 in response translates away from the fitting 138 and extends through the aperture 118 and at least through a portion of the lower aperture 102 ( FIG. 8 ).
  • Step 166 includes rotating the actuator 126 in the second rotational direction 141 to lock the actuator 126 to the threaded fitting 124 and thus maintain the pin portion 142 in a locked position.
  • the actuator 126 is not rotated, but otherwise actuated to a locked position.
  • FIGS. 10-17 illustrate a loader system 214 according to another embodiment.
  • the loader system 214 is similar to the loader system 14 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 200 . Only differences between the loader systems 14 , 214 will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein.
  • the loader system 214 includes fixed frame members 242 , detachable frame members 246 , a loader boom 250 , loader attachment carriers 254 , and a loader attachment implement 258 .
  • Actuators 374 e.g., in the form of levers, may provide a locking mechanism between the detachable frame members 246 and the fixed frame members 242 .
  • the loader boom 250 is attached to the detachable frame members 246 and is movable about a first pivot axis 262 by boom hydraulic cylinders 266 .
  • the illustrated loader boom 250 defines two arms 270 each associated with a respective detachable frame member 246 , with a support member 274 connecting the arms 270 .
  • the attachment carriers 254 are secured to an associated arm 270 and are movable about a second pivot axis 278 by carrier hydraulic cylinders 282 .
  • hooks 310 are affixed to the loader attachment implement 258 and are configured to engage a respective engagement portion 286 of the attachment carrier 254 .
  • Both attachment carriers 254 further define a lateral portion 272 having an opening 290 (only one attachment carrier 254 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 ).
  • the lateral portion 272 of the attachment carrier 254 that defines the opening 290 also presents a shield 306 .
  • Protrusions 314 extend from a rear face 316 of the loader attachment implement 258 and include a first (e.g., generally vertically oriented) aperture 318 a and a second (e.g., generally horizontally oriented) aperture 318 b transverse to aperture 318 a .
  • Each protrusion 314 is associated with a single attachment carrier 254 .
  • the loader attachment implement 258 may only include one protrusion 314 associated with a single attachment carrier 254 .
  • the (or each) protrusion 314 may only include one vertical (similar to the protrusion 114 ) or one horizontal aperture.
  • the protrusion 314 may include an aperture 318 oriented at an oblique angle relative to the illustrated apertures 318 a , 318 b .
  • the pin portion 142 could be received within the vertical aperture 318 a.
  • a locking mechanism 322 is attached to the loader system 214 .
  • the locking mechanism 322 includes a mechanical actuator 326 operably attached to one of the detachable frame members 246 .
  • the illustrated actuator 326 is positioned adjacent the cab 30 to facilitate operator usage from the cab 30 .
  • the actuator 326 includes a notch 378 located between an end portion 382 and a handle portion 386 .
  • the end portion 382 and the notch 326 selectively engage a bracket 390 affixed to the detachable frame member 246 .
  • the locking mechanism may include an electrical button or switch adjacent the cab 30 , or the actuator 326 may be a lever.
  • the actuator 326 is positionable in a locked position ( FIG. 13 ) with the notch 378 contacting the bracket 390 or an unlocked position ( FIG. 14 ) with the end portion 382 contacting or positioned adjacent the bracket 390 .
  • the actuator 326 is translatable in a first axial direction 332 away from the bracket 390 to permit rotation of the actuator 326 in a first rotational direction 328 .
  • the actuator 326 is also rotatable in a second rotational direction 341 and thereafter movable in a second axial direction 336 .
  • the actuator 326 may not axially move, but rather the lever may pivot parallel to the first pivot axis 262 between a locked position (similar to FIG. 13 ) and an unlocked position (similar to FIG. 14 ).
  • the actuator 326 is coupled to a mechanical linkage 334 in the form of a flexible sheathed cable assembly. In other embodiments, a more rigid linkage system may be utilized.
  • the sheathed cable 334 is exteriorly routed along one of the arms 270 ( FIG. 15 ) and is secured to the attachment carrier 254 by a bracket 338 ( FIG. 12 ).
  • the sheathed cable 334 includes an inner cable body or a linkage member 340 within a sheath 344 and a pin portion 342 .
  • An end portion 392 of the inner cable body 340 extending from the sheath 344 adjacent the bracket 338 passes through a laterally extending dowel or peg 398 of the pin portion 342 and includes a stop 394 that constrains retraction of the end portion 392 through the peg 398 .
  • a biasing member 330 abuts an inner wall 396 of the attachment carrier 254 and is operably coupled with the pin portion 342 to bias the pin portion 342 towards the lateral portion 272 .
  • the biasing member 330 and the pin portion 342 are concentric.
  • the biasing member 330 may instead abut the bracket 338 and the peg 398 may be omitted such that the biasing member 330 , a portion of the inner cable 340 including the stop 394 , and the pin portion 342 are concentric, e.g., the stop 394 is located within the biasing member 330 .
  • a method 346 of connecting and/or disconnecting the loader attachment implement 258 from the attachment carrier 254 without the operator leaving the cab 230 is illustrated.
  • a first attachment implement 258 is operably coupled to the carrier 254 ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ).
  • the actuator 326 is moved in the first axial direction 332 ( FIG. 13 ) such that the notch 378 is positioned away from the bracket 390 and the end portion 382 is positioned adjacent the bracket 390 .
  • the actuator 326 acts against the biasing force of the biasing member 330 .
  • the inner cable 340 moves within the sheath 344 with the stop 394 interacting with the peg 398 such that the pin portion 342 clears the aperture 318 b into the unlocked position ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ).
  • the pin portion 342 generally translates parallel to the second pivot axis 278 .
  • the actuator 326 is maintained in the extended position of FIG. 14 by rotating the actuator 326 in the first rotational direction 328 (step 356 ) such that the end portion 382 contacts the bracket 390 , which allows the pin portion 342 to temporarily remain in the unlocked position without the operator's input.
  • the first attachment implement 258 can be disconnected from the attachment carrier 254 , as previously described.
  • the operator aligns the engagement portions 286 with the hooks 310 of a second implement 258 (step 358 ).
  • the second loader attachment implement 258 is rotatable relative to the attachment carrier 254 about the engagement portions 286 .
  • the operator manipulates the attachment carrier 254 about the second pivot axis 278 such that the openings 290 rotate over the protrusions 314 . In this position, the aperture 318 b aligns with the pin portion 342 .
  • the locking mechanism 322 is then operable to lock the second loader attachment implement 258 to the attachment carrier 254 for uniform co-rotational movement, e.g., an amount of rotational movement of the attachment carriers 254 is directly transferred to the second loader attachment implement 258 .
  • the operator rotates the actuator 326 (step 360 ) in the second rotational direction 341 to align the notch 378 with the bracket 390 , and then releases the actuator 326 (step 362 ).
  • the actuator 326 returns in the second axial direction 336 until the notch 378 contacts the bracket 390 .
  • the pin portion 342 in response extends through the aperture 318 b under the force of the biasing member 330 .
  • the locking mechanism 322 may be oriented such that the pin portion 342 selectively engages the aperture 318 a.
  • a locking pin 376 e.g., a wire lock pin, clevis pin, etc.
  • the locking pin 376 may be associated with both protrusions 314 received through the aperture 318 a .
  • the locking pin 376 may be utilized with one of protrusions 314 (i.e., the protrusion 314 not associated with the locking mechanism 322 ).
  • an indicating mechanism can be coupled to the locking mechanism 322 indicating the unlocked position ( FIG. 12 ) and/or the locked position ( FIG. 17 ) to the operator.
  • the indicating mechanism monitors when the pin portion 342 is fully received within the aperture 318 b providing a locked signal, or when the pin portion 342 is fully disengaged from the aperture 318 b providing an unlocked signal.
  • the indicating mechanism may be an electrical sensor that monitors a position of the pin portion 342 relative to the protrusion 314 or monitors the biasing force of the biasing member 330 , e.g., via a pressure switch.
  • the indicating mechanism can monitor relative contact between the pin portion 342 and the protrusion 314 , which completes an electrical circuit once the pin portion 342 is received within the aperture 318 b or breaks the electrical circuit once the pin portion 342 is displaced from the aperture 318 b .
  • the indicating mechanism can be electrically coupled to an indicator member (e.g., LED display) located within the cab 30 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
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US15/216,376 2015-09-29 2016-07-21 System and method of attaching and detaching a loader attachment implement Abandoned US20170089029A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/216,376 US20170089029A1 (en) 2015-09-29 2016-07-21 System and method of attaching and detaching a loader attachment implement
CA2938560A CA2938560A1 (en) 2015-09-29 2016-08-11 System and method of attaching and detaching a loader attachment implement
EP16190932.0A EP3150767B1 (de) 2015-09-29 2016-09-27 Nutzfahrzeug mit verriegelungsmechanismus zur befestigung eines gerätes am ladersystem

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Cited By (5)

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US10550541B1 (en) * 2019-04-25 2020-02-04 Deere & Company Connection system for connecting an implement to a work vehicle
US20200267886A1 (en) * 2019-02-26 2020-08-27 Deere & Company Mower deck lifting ramps
USD931909S1 (en) 2020-02-04 2021-09-28 Deere & Company Implement connection system
US11536009B2 (en) 2019-07-26 2022-12-27 Deere & Company System for detecting locking pin engagement of an implement
US11634891B2 (en) 2020-10-08 2023-04-25 Deere & Company System and method for navigating an operator to couple a self-propelled vehicle with an attachment implement therefor

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10294629B1 (en) * 2018-05-16 2019-05-21 Deere & Company Holder for coupling a work implement to a work vehicle

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DE1156023B (de) * 1960-11-10 1963-10-17 Benoto Sa Fahrbare Lademaschine
DE1291284B (de) * 1965-04-23 1969-03-20 Zettelmeyer Hubert Fahrbare Lademaschine
GB1475202A (en) * 1975-01-04 1977-06-01 Massey Ferguson Perkins Ltd Loader vehicles
US5685689A (en) * 1996-01-03 1997-11-11 Great Bend Manufacturing Co., Inc. Quick attach system for front end loader

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200267886A1 (en) * 2019-02-26 2020-08-27 Deere & Company Mower deck lifting ramps
US10827664B2 (en) * 2019-02-26 2020-11-10 Deere & Company Mower deck lifting ramps
US10550541B1 (en) * 2019-04-25 2020-02-04 Deere & Company Connection system for connecting an implement to a work vehicle
EP3730390A3 (de) * 2019-04-25 2020-12-09 Deere & Company Verbindungssystem zum verbinden eines arbeitsgeräts mit einem arbeitsfahrzeug
US11536009B2 (en) 2019-07-26 2022-12-27 Deere & Company System for detecting locking pin engagement of an implement
USD931909S1 (en) 2020-02-04 2021-09-28 Deere & Company Implement connection system
US11634891B2 (en) 2020-10-08 2023-04-25 Deere & Company System and method for navigating an operator to couple a self-propelled vehicle with an attachment implement therefor

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EP3150767B1 (de) 2020-01-15
EP3150767A1 (de) 2017-04-05

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