US20170107684A1 - A coupler for a wheel loader - Google Patents
A coupler for a wheel loader Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170107684A1 US20170107684A1 US15/129,027 US201415129027A US2017107684A1 US 20170107684 A1 US20170107684 A1 US 20170107684A1 US 201415129027 A US201415129027 A US 201415129027A US 2017107684 A1 US2017107684 A1 US 2017107684A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- locking pin
- shaft
- coupler
- locking
- threads
- 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
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Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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
- E02F3/3604—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
- E02F3/3636—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat using two or four movable transversal pins
-
- 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 wheel loader, and more particularly, to an attachment coupler for a wheel loader.
- Loaders have the facility for coupling and uncoupling an attachment with a lifting arm or for switching between various attachments such as a bucket, a clamp, or a fork.
- a coupler is used to couple the attachment with the lifting arm.
- Hydraulically powered displaceable pins are generally used for the attachment coupler's locking. Namely, the attachment is guided so that the locking holes are situated in a position in which displaceable pins can be shot through them, following which these pins, guided by controls located in the operating station, are hydraulically activated and shot into the holes, thereby locking the attachment with the lifting arm.
- the hydraulically powered locking enables relatively rapid change of attachments without leaving the operating site, but it requires various hydraulic components such as actuators, conduits and valves, thus making a complex structure. Also, the engine and the whole machine should be turned on since this hydraulic coupler depends upon existing machine hydraulics for activating the locking pins.
- manual couplers are relatively simple in structure, but they require substantial efforts and time from users for coupling or uncoupling for each and every locking position between the bracket and the attachment.
- a working machine in this case a wheel loader which has a coupler for coupling an attachment to a lifting arm.
- a coupler is installed between the lifting arm and the attachments such as a bucket, a clamp or a fork.
- the bracket's back face is pivotally connected to the lifting arm and the bracket's front face is detachably connected to the attachment.
- the attachment has a pair of protrusions rearwardly extending from the lower back of the attachment and laterally spaced apart from each other.
- the protrusions have locking holes pierced through their width.
- the bracket has a pair of receiving slots formed at the lower front of the bracket and engaged with the protrusions.
- the coupler to lock the protrusions into the corresponding receiving slots comprises a shaft fixed to the bracket by means of fixtures and a pair of locking pins combined with the shaft by threads.
- the shaft has threads formed at both ends.
- the threads formed at the one end of the shaft are right handed and the threads formed at the other end of the shaft are left handed.
- the locking pins are tubular, and inserted into the ends of the shaft, respectively.
- the internal surface of the first tubular locking pin has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the one end of the shaft.
- the internal surface of the second tubular locking pins has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the other end of the shaft.
- the locking pins are longitudinally divided into two parts, that is, a cylindrically cross-sectioned outer part and a non-cylindrically cross-sectioned inner part.
- the cross-section of the inner part can be partially flattened cylindrical shape or polygonal shape.
- a pair of holders are provided to support each of the locking pins.
- the holders are fixed to the bracket.
- the contacting surface of the holder corresponds to the non-cylindrical contour of the inner part of the locking pin, thereby preventing the locking pin from being rotated when the shaft is driven to rotate. That is, the locking pins are rectilinearly moved due to a thread interaction when the shaft rotates.
- the shaft has a driving section with a polygonal cross-section in order to enable users to turn the shaft easily by using appropriate means such as a wrench.
- the threads formed at the shafts and the locking pins are multiple start threads which provide bigger screw pitch so that the lead per rotation can be increased, which can consequently minimize the effort of users when turning the shaft.
- the coupler of the present disclosure enables users to couple or uncouple the attachment by one touch turning operation, thus reducing the effort of users and saving time at work sites.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the coupler and the attachment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view of the coupler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3A shows the coupler in its coupling position where the locking pins are fully extended
- FIG. 3B shows the coupler in its release position where the locking pins are fully shortened
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracket seen from the lifting arm side and an enlarged view of part “A”;
- FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view of the coupler according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bracket 100 and an attachment 102 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Bracket 100 has a back face pivotally connected to the free end of a lifting arm (not shown) of a wheel loader and a front face detachably connected to attachment 102 .
- the wheel loader is an example of the working machine to which the coupler of the present disclosure applies. Therefore, it should be understood that this coupler can apply to various kinds of working machine which has a detachable and interchangeable tools as an attachment. Some examples of such working machine are wheel loaders, track loaders, excavators, and dozers.
- the bucket is an example of the attachment to which the coupler of the present disclosure applies. It should be understood that this coupler can apply to various kinds of attachment, for example, a clamp, a fork, a breaker or a crusher.
- Attachment 102 has a pair of hooks 110 a , 110 b rearwardly extending from the upper back of attachment 102 and laterally spaced apart from each other.
- Bracket 100 has a pair of cross bars 112 a , 112 b installed at the upper front of bracket 100 .
- Attachment 102 has a pair of protrusions 104 a , 104 b .
- Protrusions 104 a , 104 b are rearwardly extended from the lower back of attachment 102 and laterally spaced apart from each other.
- Protrusions 104 a , 104 b have locking holes 106 a , 106 b pierced through their width.
- Bracket 100 has a pair of receiving slots 108 a , 108 b .Receiving slots 108 a , 108 b are formed at the lower front of bracket 100 and engaged with protrusions 104 a , 104 b.
- FIG. 2 shows a disassembled perspective view of a coupler 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the coupler 200 comprises a shaft 202 and a pair of tubular locking pins 204 a , 204 b combined with shaft 202 by threads.
- Shaft 202 has threads 216 a , 216 b formed at both ends.
- the threads formed at the one end of shaft 202 ( 216 a ) are “right handed” and the threads formed at the other end of shaft 202 ( 216 b ) are “left handed”.
- Locking pins 204 a , 204 b are, at least partially, tubular and inserted into the ends of shaft 202 , respectively.
- the inside of the first tubular locking pin 204 a has threads 218 a corresponding to the threads 216 a formed at the one end of shaft 202 .
- the inside of the second tubular locking pin 204 b has threads 218 b corresponding to the threads 216 b formed at the other end of shaft 202 .
- the first locking pin 204 a is longitudinally divided into two parts, that is, a cylindrically cross-sectioned outer part 212 a and a non-cylindrically cross-sectioned inner part 210 a .
- the cross-section of inner part 210 a can be shaped into a partially flattened cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.
- the second locking pin 204 b is longitudinally divided into two parts, that is, a cylindrically cross-sectioned outer part 212 b and a non-cylindrically cross-sectioned inner part 210 b .
- the cross-section of inner part 210 b can be shaped into a partially flattened cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.
- a pair of holders 214 a , 214 b are provided to support corresponding locking pins 204 a , 204 b , respectively. Holders 214 a , 214 b are fixed to bracket 100 .
- the contacting surface of the first holder 214 a corresponds to the non-cylindrical contour of the inner part 210 a of the first locking pin 204 a . Therefore, the first locking pin 204 a is prevented from being rotated when shaft 202 is driven to rotate. In other words, the first locking pin 204 a is rectilinearly moved due to a thread interaction when shaft 202 rotates.
- the contacting surface of the second holder 214 b corresponds to the contour of the inner part 210 b of the second locking pin 204 b . Therefore, the second locking pin 204 b is prevented from being rotated when shaft 202 is driven to rotate. In other words, the second locking pin 204 b is rectilinearly moved due to a thread interaction when shaft 202 rotates.
- the longitudinal lengths of inner parts 210 a , 210 b are longer than or at least equal to the rectilinear moving strokes of locking pins 204 a , 204 b along shaft 202 so that the rotations of locking pins 204 a , 204 b are prevented throughout the entire strokes of locking pins 204 a , 204 b.
- FIG. 3A shows this coupling position where locking pins 204 a , 204 b are fully extended.
- FIG. 3B shows this release position where locking pins 204 a , 204 b are fully shortened.
- the threads 216 a , 216 b of shaft 202 and the threads 218 a , 218 b of locking pins 204 a , 204 b are multi start threads.
- the multi start threads increase the lead per rotation of locking pins 204 a , 204 b . Accordingly, locking pins 204 a , 204 b can have longer rectilinear moving strokes relative to the rotation of shaft 202 .
- quadruple start threads are used. Consequently, these multiple start threads minimize the effort of users when turning the shaft.
- shaft 202 has a driving section 208 with a polygonal cross-section in order to enable users to turn shaft 202 easily by using an appropriate tool such as a wrench.
- the cross-section of driving section 208 is shaped as hexagonal, and a hexagonal wrench is used to turn shaft 202 .
- FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of bracket 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure seen from a lifting arm side, i.e., the back face of bracket 100 and an enlarged view of part “A”.
- reference numerals 206 a , 206 b are fixtures used to affix shaft 202 to bracket 100 .
- Fixtures 206 a and 206 b wrap around shaft 202 at the right side and at the left side of driving section 208 , respectively, in a less frictional manner and bolted to bracket 100 at their edges.
- An anti-friction material or coating (not shown) can be used on the contacting surfaces between fixtures 206 a , 206 b and shaft 202 .
- Bracket 100 has an opening 304 in order to allow users to access to drive section 208 of shaft 202 with a wrench.
- coupler 200 has a coupling position of the attachment in which locking pins 204 a , 204 b are extended and engaged with locking holes 106 a , 106 b , and a release position of the attachment in which locking pins 204 a , 204 b are shortened and released from locking holes 106 a , 106 b .
- reference numerals 114 a , 114 b are apertures formed at the outer walls 116 a , 116 b of receiving slots 108 a , 108 b . These apertures 114 a , 114 b secure the end of locking pins 204 a , 204 b in the coupling position of the attachment. Apertures 114 a , 114 b can be replaced with indentations in which the end of locking pins 204 a , 204 b would not be exposed from the outer walls 116 a , 116 b.
- users can achieve coupling or uncoupling the attachment to the machine by simply turning the shaft in one direction or the other.
- Such a one touch operation provided by the embodiment minimizes the effort of users for coupling/uncoupling the attachment and saves time at work sites.
- FIG. 5 shows a disassembled perspective view of a coupler according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 shows only a locking pin 412 b of a pair of locking pins and doesn't show the opposite locking pin.
- the opposite locking pin has a same structure and function as locking pin 412 b , so it can be understood without additional details.
- the cross-sections of locking pin 412 b are non-cylindrical along their entire lengths or at least along their outer parts that are subject to be engaged with the locking holes of the protrusions.
- the cross-sections of this locking pin 412 b can be shaped into a partially flattened cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.
- the contacting surface 414 of the locking hole 416 of the protrusion correspond to the contour, i.e., the non-cylindrical cross-sections, of locking pin 412 b , thereby preventing locking pin 412 b from being rotated when it is inserted into locking hole 416 .
- the contacting surfaces of aperture 418 formed at inner wall 420 of receiving slot 422 are also corresponding to the contour, i.e., the non-cylindrical cross-sections, of locking pin 412 b .
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract
A coupler for a wheel loader is used for coupling an attachment (102) to a lifting arm of the wheel loader. A bracket (100) is installed between the lifting arm and the attachment (102). The bracket's back face is pivotally connected to a lifting arm and the bracket's front face is detachably connected to the attachment (102). The attachment (102) has a pair of protrusions (104 a, 104 b) rearwardly extending from the lower back of the attachment (102) and have locking holes pierced through their width. The bracket has a pair of receiving slots (108 a, 108 b) formed at the lower front of the bracket and engaged with the protrusions(104 a, 104 b). The coupler has a shaft (202), and a pair of locking pins (204 a, 204 b) combined with the shaft by threads (216 a, 216 b). The threads (216 a, 216 b) formed at one end of the shaft (202) are right handed and the threads (216 a, 216 b) formed at the other end of the shaft (202) are left handed. When users turn the shaft (202) in one direction,the locking pins (204 a, 204 b) are extended and engaged with the locking holes (a coupling position). When users turn the shaft in the other direction,the locking pins are shortened and released from the locking holes (a release position).
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a wheel loader, and more particularly, to an attachment coupler for a wheel loader.
- Loaders have the facility for coupling and uncoupling an attachment with a lifting arm or for switching between various attachments such as a bucket, a clamp, or a fork.
- A coupler is used to couple the attachment with the lifting arm. Hydraulically powered displaceable pins are generally used for the attachment coupler's locking. Namely, the attachment is guided so that the locking holes are situated in a position in which displaceable pins can be shot through them, following which these pins, guided by controls located in the operating station, are hydraulically activated and shot into the holes, thereby locking the attachment with the lifting arm.
- The hydraulically powered locking enables relatively rapid change of attachments without leaving the operating site, but it requires various hydraulic components such as actuators, conduits and valves, thus making a complex structure. Also, the engine and the whole machine should be turned on since this hydraulic coupler depends upon existing machine hydraulics for activating the locking pins.
- On the other hand, manual couplers are relatively simple in structure, but they require substantial efforts and time from users for coupling or uncoupling for each and every locking position between the bracket and the attachment.
- According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there provides a working machine, in this case a wheel loader which has a coupler for coupling an attachment to a lifting arm. A coupler is installed between the lifting arm and the attachments such as a bucket, a clamp or a fork. The bracket's back face is pivotally connected to the lifting arm and the bracket's front face is detachably connected to the attachment.
- The attachment has a pair of protrusions rearwardly extending from the lower back of the attachment and laterally spaced apart from each other. The protrusions have locking holes pierced through their width. The bracket has a pair of receiving slots formed at the lower front of the bracket and engaged with the protrusions.
- The coupler to lock the protrusions into the corresponding receiving slots comprises a shaft fixed to the bracket by means of fixtures and a pair of locking pins combined with the shaft by threads.
- The shaft has threads formed at both ends. The threads formed at the one end of the shaft are right handed and the threads formed at the other end of the shaft are left handed. The locking pins are tubular, and inserted into the ends of the shaft, respectively. The internal surface of the first tubular locking pin has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the one end of the shaft. Likewise, the internal surface of the second tubular locking pins has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the other end of the shaft.
- The locking pins are longitudinally divided into two parts, that is, a cylindrically cross-sectioned outer part and a non-cylindrically cross-sectioned inner part. The cross-section of the inner part can be partially flattened cylindrical shape or polygonal shape.
- A pair of holders are provided to support each of the locking pins. The holders are fixed to the bracket. The contacting surface of the holder corresponds to the non-cylindrical contour of the inner part of the locking pin, thereby preventing the locking pin from being rotated when the shaft is driven to rotate. That is, the locking pins are rectilinearly moved due to a thread interaction when the shaft rotates.
- When users turn the shaft in one direction, for example clockwise, locking pins installed on both ends of the shaft move away from the center (extended), and the coupler has a coupling position of the attachment in which the locking pins are extended and the outer parts are engaged with the locking holes of the protrusions. Likewise, when users turn the shaft in the other direction, for example counter-clockwise, locking pins installed on both ends of the shaft move toward the center (shortened), and the coupler has a release position of the attachment in which the locking pins are shortened and the outer parts are released from the locking holes of the protrusions.
- It is preferable that the shaft has a driving section with a polygonal cross-section in order to enable users to turn the shaft easily by using appropriate means such as a wrench.
- It is preferable that the threads formed at the shafts and the locking pins are multiple start threads which provide bigger screw pitch so that the lead per rotation can be increased, which can consequently minimize the effort of users when turning the shaft.
- The coupler of the present disclosure enables users to couple or uncouple the attachment by one touch turning operation, thus reducing the effort of users and saving time at work sites.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the coupler and the attachment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view of the coupler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3A shows the coupler in its coupling position where the locking pins are fully extended; -
FIG. 3B shows the coupler in its release position where the locking pins are fully shortened; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracket seen from the lifting arm side and an enlarged view of part “A”; -
FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view of the coupler according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. - Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments alone. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of abracket 100 and anattachment 102 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.Bracket 100 has a back face pivotally connected to the free end of a lifting arm (not shown) of a wheel loader and a front face detachably connected toattachment 102. - Throughout the entire description and claims, the wheel loader is an example of the working machine to which the coupler of the present disclosure applies. Therefore, it should be understood that this coupler can apply to various kinds of working machine which has a detachable and interchangeable tools as an attachment. Some examples of such working machine are wheel loaders, track loaders, excavators, and dozers. Likewise, the bucket is an example of the attachment to which the coupler of the present disclosure applies. It should be understood that this coupler can apply to various kinds of attachment, for example, a clamp, a fork, a breaker or a crusher.
-
Attachment 102 has a pair ofhooks attachment 102 and laterally spaced apart from each other. Bracket 100 has a pair ofcross bars coupling attachment 102 tobracket 100, users bringattachment 102 tobracket 100 and havehooks cross bars -
Attachment 102 has a pair ofprotrusions Protrusions attachment 102 and laterally spaced apart from each other.Protrusions locking holes Bracket 100 has a pair of receivingslots 108 a, 108b .Receiving slots bracket 100 and engaged withprotrusions -
FIG. 2 shows a disassembled perspective view of acoupler 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. - The
coupler 200 comprises ashaft 202 and a pair oftubular locking pins shaft 202 by threads. - Shaft 202 has
threads shaft 202, respectively. - The inside of the first
tubular locking pin 204 a hasthreads 218 a corresponding to thethreads 216 a formed at the one end ofshaft 202. Likewise, the inside of the secondtubular locking pin 204 b has threads 218 b corresponding to thethreads 216 b formed at the other end ofshaft 202. - The
first locking pin 204 a is longitudinally divided into two parts, that is, a cylindrically cross-sectionedouter part 212 a and a non-cylindrically cross-sectionedinner part 210 a. The cross-section ofinner part 210 a can be shaped into a partially flattened cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape. - Likewise, the
second locking pin 204 b is longitudinally divided into two parts, that is, a cylindrically cross-sectionedouter part 212 b and a non-cylindrically cross-sectionedinner part 210 b. The cross-section ofinner part 210 b can be shaped into a partially flattened cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape. - A pair of
holders Holders bracket 100. - The contacting surface of the
first holder 214 a corresponds to the non-cylindrical contour of theinner part 210 a of thefirst locking pin 204 a. Therefore, thefirst locking pin 204 a is prevented from being rotated whenshaft 202 is driven to rotate. In other words, thefirst locking pin 204 a is rectilinearly moved due to a thread interaction whenshaft 202 rotates. - Likewise, the contacting surface of the
second holder 214 b corresponds to the contour of theinner part 210 b of thesecond locking pin 204 b. Therefore, thesecond locking pin 204 b is prevented from being rotated whenshaft 202 is driven to rotate. In other words, thesecond locking pin 204 b is rectilinearly moved due to a thread interaction whenshaft 202 rotates. - It is preferable that the longitudinal lengths of
inner parts pins shaft 202 so that the rotations of lockingpins pins - When users turn
shaft 202 in one direction, e.g., clockwise, lockingpins coupler 200 has a coupling position of the attachment in which locking pins 204 a, 204 b are extended and theirouter parts holes protrusions FIG. 3A shows this coupling position where locking pins 204 a, 204 b are fully extended. - Likewise, when users turn
shaft 202 in the other direction, e.g., counter-clockwise, lockingpins coupler 200 has a release position of the attachment in which locking pins 204 a, 204 b are shortened and theirouter parts holes protrusions FIG. 3B shows this release position where locking pins 204 a, 204 b are fully shortened. - It is preferable that the
threads shaft 202 and thethreads 218 a,218 b of lockingpins pins pins shaft 202. In this embodiment, quadruple start threads are used. Consequently, these multiple start threads minimize the effort of users when turning the shaft. - It is preferable that
shaft 202 has adriving section 208 with a polygonal cross-section in order to enable users to turnshaft 202 easily by using an appropriate tool such as a wrench. In this embodiment, the cross-section of drivingsection 208 is shaped as hexagonal, and a hexagonal wrench is used to turnshaft 202. -
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view ofbracket 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure seen from a lifting arm side, i.e., the back face ofbracket 100 and an enlarged view of part “A”. - Referring to
FIG. 4 ,reference numerals shaft 202 tobracket 100.Fixtures shaft 202 at the right side and at the left side of drivingsection 208, respectively, in a less frictional manner and bolted tobracket 100 at their edges. An anti-friction material or coating (not shown) can be used on the contacting surfaces betweenfixtures shaft 202. -
Bracket 100 has anopening 304 in order to allow users to access to drivesection 208 ofshaft 202 with a wrench. - According to the turning direction of
shaft 202,coupler 200 has a coupling position of the attachment in which locking pins 204 a, 204 b are extended and engaged with lockingholes holes - Referring back to
FIG. 1 ,reference numerals outer walls slots apertures pins Apertures pins outer walls - According to the embodiment described above, users can achieve coupling or uncoupling the attachment to the machine by simply turning the shaft in one direction or the other. Such a one touch operation provided by the embodiment minimizes the effort of users for coupling/uncoupling the attachment and saves time at work sites.
-
FIG. 5 shows a disassembled perspective view of a coupler according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 shows only alocking pin 412 b of a pair of locking pins and doesn't show the opposite locking pin. However, the opposite locking pin has a same structure and function as lockingpin 412 b, so it can be understood without additional details. - In this embodiment, the cross-sections of locking
pin 412 b are non-cylindrical along their entire lengths or at least along their outer parts that are subject to be engaged with the locking holes of the protrusions. The cross-sections of thislocking pin 412 b can be shaped into a partially flattened cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape. - In this embodiment, the contacting
surface 414 of thelocking hole 416 of the protrusion correspond to the contour, i.e., the non-cylindrical cross-sections, of lockingpin 412 b, thereby preventinglocking pin 412 b from being rotated when it is inserted into lockinghole 416. The contacting surfaces ofaperture 418 formed atinner wall 420 of receivingslot 422 are also corresponding to the contour, i.e., the non-cylindrical cross-sections, of lockingpin 412 b. By this configuration, lockingpin 412 b is rectilinearly moved due to a thread interaction whenshaft 402 rotates without the need of such holders shown in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. - Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments in the attached figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.
Claims (21)
1. A coupler for detachably connecting an attachment to the free end of a lifting arm on a wheel loader, comprising:
a bracket with a back face pivotally connected to said lifting arm and a front face detachably connected with said attachment;
a first and a second protrusions rearwardly extending from the lower back of said attachment and laterally spaced apart from each other, said first protrusion having a first locking hole pierced through its width and said second protrusion having a second locking hole pierced through its width;
a first and a second receiving slots formed at the lower front of said bracket and engaged with said first protrusion and said second protrusion, respectively;
a shaft which has threads formed at both ends and installed at the lower part of said bracket, wherein the threads formed at the one end of said shaft are right handed and the threads formed at the other end of said shaft are left handed;
a first locking pin which has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the one end of said shaft;
a second locking pin which has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the other end of said shaft;
a first holder fixed to said bracket and supporting said first locking pin so as to prevent said first locking pin from being rotated when said shaft is driven to rotate, thereby enabling a rectilinear movement of said first locking pin and disabling a rotational movement of said first locking pin;
a second holder fixed to said bracket and supporting said second locking pin so as to prevent said second locking pin from being rotated when said shaft is driven to rotate, thereby enabling a rectilinear movement of said second locking pin and disabling a rotational movement of said second locking pin; and
wherein said coupler has a coupling position of the attachment in which said locking pins are extended and engaged with said locking holes of said protrusions as said shaft rotates in one direction, and a release position of the attachment in which said locking pins are shortened and released from said locking holes of said protrusions as said shaft rotates in the other direction.
2. The coupler of claim 1 , wherein:
said first locking pin is longitudinally divided into a cylindrically cross-sectioned outer part and a non-cylindrically cross-sectioned inner part, said outer part being subject to be engaged with said first locking hole;
said second locking pin is longitudinally divided into a cylindrically cross-sectioned outer part and a non-cylindrically cross-sectioned inner part, said outer part being subject to be engaged with said second locking hole;
said first holder has a contacting surface corresponding to the non-cylindrical contour of said inner part of said first locking pin; and
said second holder has a contacting surface corresponding to the non-cylindrical contour of said inner part of said second locking pin.
3. The coupler of claim 2 , wherein:
the cross-section of said inner part of said first locking pin is partially flattened cylindrical shape; and
the cross-section of said inner part of said second locking pin is partially flattened cylindrical shape.
4. The coupler of claim 2 , wherein:
the cross-section of said inner part of said first locking pin is polygonal shape; and
the cross-section of said inner part of said second locking pin is polygonal shape.
5. The coupler of claim 2 , wherein:
the longitudinal length of said inner part of said first locking pin is longer than or at least equal to the rectilinear moving stroke of said first locking pin along said shaft; and
the longitudinal length of said inner part of said second locking pin is longer than or at least equal to the rectilinear moving stroke of said second locking pin along said shaft.
6. The coupler of claim 1 , wherein:
said first locking pin is tubular and said threads of said first tubular locking pin are formed at the internal surface of said first tubular locking pin; and
said second locking pin is tubular and said threads of said second tubular locking pin are formed at the internal surface of said second tubular locking pin.
7. The coupler of claim 1 , wherein:
said threads formed at said shafts and said locking pins are multi start threads, whereby the lead per rotation is increased.
8. The coupler of claim 6 , wherein:
said threads formed at said shafts and said locking pins are multi start threads, whereby the lead per rotation is increased.
9. The coupler of claim 1 , wherein said shaft further comprising:
a driving section with a polygonal cross-section.
10. The coupler of claim 1 , further comprising:
a fixture wrapping around said shaft and fixed to said bracket at its edges.
11. The coupler of claim 9 , further comprising:
a first fixture wrapping around said shaft at the right side of said driving section and fixed to said bracket at its edges; and
a second fixture wrapping around said shaft at the left side of said driving section and fixed to said bracket at its edges.
12. The coupler of claim 1 , wherein:
said first receiving slot has an outer wall with a first aperture receiving and securing the end of said first locking pin in the coupling position of the attachment; and
said second receiving slot has an outer wall with a second aperture receiving and securing the end of said second locking pin in the coupling position of the attachment.
13. The coupler of claim 1 , wherein:
said first receiving slot has an outer wall with a first indentation receiving and securing the end of said first locking pin in the coupling position of the attachment; and
said second receiving slot has an outer wall with a second indentation receiving and securing the end of said second locking pin in the coupling position of the attachment.
14. A coupler for detachably connecting an attachment to the free end of a lifting arm on a wheel loader, comprising:
a bracket with a back face pivotally connected to said lifting arm and a front face detachably connected with said attachment;
a first and a second protrusions rearwardly extending from the lower back of said attachment and laterally spaced apart from each other, said first protrusion having a first locking hole pierced through its width and said second protrusion having a second locking hole pierced through its width;
a first and a second receiving slots formed at the lower front of said bracket and engaged with said first protrusion and said second protrusion, respectively;
a shaft which has threads formed at both ends and installed at the lower part of said bracket, wherein the threads formed at the one end of said shaft are right handed and the threads formed at the other end of said shaft are left handed;
a first locking pin which has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the one end of said shaft, a cross-section of said first locking pin being partially non-cylindrical shape, a contacting surface of said first locking hole with said first locking pin corresponding to said non-cylindrical contour of said first locking pin;
a second locking pin which has threads corresponding to the threads formed at the other end of said shaft, a cross-section of said second locking pin being partially non-cylindrical shape, a contacting surface of said second locking hole with said second locking pin corresponding to said non-cylindrical contour of said second locking pin; and
wherein said coupler has a coupling position of the attachment in which said locking pins are extended and engaged with said locking holes of said protrusions as said shaft rotates in one direction, and a release position of the attachment in which said locking pins are shortened and released from said locking holes of said protrusions as said shaft rotates in the other direction.
15. The coupler of claim 14 , wherein:
the cross-section of said first locking pin is partially flattened cylindrical shape; and
the cross-section of said second locking pin is partially flattened cylindrical shape.
16. The coupler of claim 14 , wherein:
the cross-section of said first locking pin is polygonal shape; and
the cross-section of said second locking pin is polygonal shape.
17. The coupler of claim 14 , wherein:
said first locking pin is tubular and said threads of said first tubular locking pin are formed at the internal surface of said first tubular locking pin; and
said second locking pin is tubular and said threads of said second tubular locking pin are formed at the internal surface of said second tubular locking pin.
18. The coupler of claim 14 , wherein:
said threads formed at said shafts and said locking pins are multi start threads, whereby the lead per rotation is increased.
19. The coupler of claim 14 , wherein said shaft further comprising:
a driving section with a polygonal cross-section.
20. The coupler of claim 14 , further comprising:
a fixture wrapping around said shaft and fixed to said bracket at its edges.
21. The coupler of claim 19 , further comprising:
a first fixture wrapping around said shaft at the right side of said driving section and fixed to said bracket at its edges; and
a second fixture wrapping around said shaft at the left side of said driving section and fixed to said bracket at its edges.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2014/074212 WO2015143673A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2014-03-27 | A coupler for a wheel loader |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2014/074212 A-371-Of-International WO2015143673A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2014-03-27 | A coupler for a wheel loader |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/423,520 Division US10676891B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2019-05-28 | Coupler for a wheel loader |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170107684A1 true US20170107684A1 (en) | 2017-04-20 |
Family
ID=54193911
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/129,027 Abandoned US20170107684A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2014-03-27 | A coupler for a wheel loader |
US16/423,520 Active US10676891B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2019-05-28 | Coupler for a wheel loader |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/423,520 Active US10676891B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2019-05-28 | Coupler for a wheel loader |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20170107684A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3122945A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106460358B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015143673A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
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US10370804B2 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2019-08-06 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Quick change milling assembly for a cold planer |
US10934670B1 (en) | 2019-09-11 | 2021-03-02 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Quick change chamber for milling machine |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2544789B (en) * | 2015-11-27 | 2019-04-17 | Caterpillar Inc | A worktool conversion bracket |
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US7225566B1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2007-06-05 | Jrb Attachments, Llc | Hybrid male coupler portion for a front-end loader |
US20110280648A1 (en) * | 2009-01-23 | 2011-11-17 | Gianluca Malacrino | Quick coupling device for work vehicles and machines in general |
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DE29708705U1 (en) * | 1997-05-16 | 1997-07-10 | Caterpillar Vibra-Ram GmbH & Co.KG, 66482 Zweibrücken | Demolition device for heavy loads, especially demolition or scrap shears |
US6227792B1 (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 2001-05-08 | Caterpillar S.A.R.L. | Vertical engagement hydraulic tool coupler |
DE29909329U1 (en) * | 1999-05-28 | 1999-08-12 | Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH, 88457 Kirchdorf | Quick coupling for excavator tools |
SE525388C2 (en) * | 2003-04-16 | 2005-02-08 | Volvo Constr Equip Holding Se | Work machine, including an implement holder, and implement locking elements |
US7168908B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2007-01-30 | Caterpillar Inc | Work tool coupling device for a machine |
CN104563186A (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2015-04-29 | 卡特彼勒公司 | Quick coupler |
BRPI0912188A2 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2015-10-06 | Attachment Technologies Inc | zero-displacement charger coupling system and components. |
CA2731443A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2012-08-09 | Garier Inc. | Quick coupler for earth working machines |
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2014
- 2014-03-27 WO PCT/CN2014/074212 patent/WO2015143673A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-03-27 EP EP14887157.7A patent/EP3122945A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-03-27 CN CN201480077585.5A patent/CN106460358B/en active Active
- 2014-03-27 US US15/129,027 patent/US20170107684A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-05-28 US US16/423,520 patent/US10676891B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7225566B1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2007-06-05 | Jrb Attachments, Llc | Hybrid male coupler portion for a front-end loader |
US20110280648A1 (en) * | 2009-01-23 | 2011-11-17 | Gianluca Malacrino | Quick coupling device for work vehicles and machines in general |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10370804B2 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2019-08-06 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Quick change milling assembly for a cold planer |
US10794018B2 (en) | 2016-06-30 | 2020-10-06 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Quick change milling assembly for a cold planer |
US10934670B1 (en) | 2019-09-11 | 2021-03-02 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Quick change chamber for milling machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10676891B2 (en) | 2020-06-09 |
EP3122945A4 (en) | 2017-11-08 |
US20190277003A1 (en) | 2019-09-12 |
WO2015143673A1 (en) | 2015-10-01 |
EP3122945A1 (en) | 2017-02-01 |
CN106460358A (en) | 2017-02-22 |
CN106460358B (en) | 2018-10-09 |
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Owner name: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB, SWEDEN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DONG, YONGHUI;REEL/FRAME:039852/0623 Effective date: 20160908 |
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