WO2018074937A1 - Ensemble de couplage et élément de fixation comprenant un élément de couplage - Google Patents

Ensemble de couplage et élément de fixation comprenant un élément de couplage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018074937A1
WO2018074937A1 PCT/NZ2017/050138 NZ2017050138W WO2018074937A1 WO 2018074937 A1 WO2018074937 A1 WO 2018074937A1 NZ 2017050138 W NZ2017050138 W NZ 2017050138W WO 2018074937 A1 WO2018074937 A1 WO 2018074937A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coupling
hydraulic
coupling member
locking means
locking
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2017/050138
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeremy Glen Doherty
Paul James Doherty
Original Assignee
Doherty Engineered Attachments Limited
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 Doherty Engineered Attachments Limited filed Critical Doherty Engineered Attachments Limited
Publication of WO2018074937A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018074937A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/56—Couplings of the quick-acting type for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
    • 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
    • E02F3/3618—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat with two separating hooks
    • 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
    • E02F3/3622—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 locking element acting on a pin
    • 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
    • E02F3/3627—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 longitudinal 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
    • E02F3/365—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat with redundant latching means, e.g. for safety purposes
    • 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
    • E02F3/3654—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat with energy coupler, e.g. coupler for hydraulic or electric lines, to provide energy to drive(s) mounted on the tool
    • 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
    • E02F3/3663—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat hydraulically-operated
    • 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
    • E02F3/3686—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like using adapters, i.e. additional element to mount between the coupler and the tool

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to work attachment assemblies and hydraulic coupling assemblies for use with machines such as excavators, loaders and the like.
  • a releasable attachment is provided by two or more jaws which engage pins on the tool. At least one of the jaws is moveable in a pivotal or sliding motion. The first jaw receives a first pin and the second jaw moves to engage the second pin. An actuator forces the second jaw against the pin. This retains the pin in the jaw thereby securing the tool to the machine.
  • a boom arm When in use, a boom arm controls the position and most of the operative movement of the tool.
  • additional actuators are used to provide more control over movement of the tool. This may include the tilting action or small lateral movements of a bucket, or a rotary action in the operation of a drilling machine.
  • the actuators which cause these movements are generally mounted to the tool. Therefore, it is necessary to have a releasable connection between the actuators on the tool, and a control system which is fixed to the host machine. Generally this occurs using complementary hydraulic hose and electrical connectors on the tool and the boom arm.
  • Connecting the complementary connectors is a manual process requiring an operator to switch off the machine to relieve residual oil pressure and then climb out of the machine to operate the connector by hand. This may be time consuming and inconvenient, and may also compromise safety, as the operator must enter the operational danger zone to carry out the procedure. The risk of environmental damage is also increased due to the possibility of oil leaking from manually operated connectors.
  • WO2010062193 This describes a hydraulic connection assembly comprising a first component having a plurality of male connectors and a second component having corresponding female connectors. The first component is mounted to a jaw of a coupling system and the second component to a tool (referred to as a "work attachment" in the specification).
  • the jaw of the coupling system moves relative to the tool, thereby bringing the first component into engagement with the second component.
  • at least one of the first and second connectors is resiliently mounted. This resilience assists with alignment and coupling of the male and female connectors which require precise alignment to operate correctly.
  • a coupling assembly comprising a first coupling member comprising a first body and at least one first hydraulic or electrical fitting connected to the first body, the assembly further comprising a second coupling member comprising a second body and at least one second hydraulic or electrical fitting connected to the second body, the first and second coupling members adapted to connect together in use such that the at least one first fitting engages the at least one second fitting, wherein the first coupling member is provided with a locking means for releasable engagement with the second coupling member, the locking means comprising a locking member and a locking means actuator.
  • the coupling assembly is a hydraulic coupling assembly and comprises at least one first hydraulic fitting connected to the first body and at least one second hydraulic or electrical fitting connected to the second body.
  • the coupling assembly further comprises at least one electrical fitting connected to the first body and at least one second electrical fitting connected to the second body.
  • the locking means is operable remotely and/or automatically.
  • the locking member is adapted to extend into a receiving portion of the second coupling member to lock the first coupling member and second coupling member together.
  • the locking means actuator is actuated by a hydraulic force.
  • the locking means actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
  • the locking means actuator may comprise an electric actuator, for example a solenoid or a servo motor.
  • the locking means comprises biasing means which bias the locking member towards an extended position.
  • the locking means actuator opposes the biasing means to unlock the locking member.
  • one of the coupling members comprises at least one male hydraulic fitting, and the other coupling member comprises at least one complementary female hydraulic fitting.
  • the at least one female hydraulic fitting comprises an aperture having a central axis, wherein the locking member is moveable in a direction which is non-parallel to the central axis.
  • the direction of movement of the locking member is substantially transverse to the central axis.
  • one of the coupling members comprises an elongate guide member and the other coupling member comprises a complementary guide member receiving portion.
  • the second coupling member comprises an elongate guide member and the first coupling member comprises a complementary guide member receiving portion, wherein the locking member engages the elongate guide member when in use.
  • the elongate guide member comprises a notch/channel and the locking member engages the notch/channel.
  • one of the coupling members comprises a guide formation and the other coupling member comprises a complementary guide formation receiving portion.
  • the guide formation receiving portion comprises at least one channel.
  • the locking member is configured to engage the guide formation receiving portion.
  • the locking member is located inside the first body.
  • each coupling member comprises a guard means, wherein movement of the first coupling member into engagement with the second coupling member causes movement of each guard means from a guarding position to non-guarding position.
  • the guard means slide from the guarding to the non-guarding position.
  • the second coupling member comprises a guard means which is rotatably connected to the second coupling member, the guard means comprising a cam portion, and the first coupling member comprises a cam engaging portion, wherein movement of the first coupling member into engagement with the second coupling member causes engagement of the cam engaging portion with the cam portion and consequently rotation of the guard means from a guarding position to an in-use position.
  • each guard means comprises a pair of covers, wherein each cover is rotatably connected to the respective coupling member.
  • both covers of one of the pair of covers comprise respective first engagement formations which comprise a partially cylindrical outer surface
  • both covers from the other pair of covers comprise second engagement formations which comprise concave surfaces having substantially the same radius as the partially cylindrical outer surface.
  • a coupling assembly member comprising a body and at least one first electrical or hydraulic fitting connected to the first body, the coupling assembly member further comprising a locking means for releasable engagement with a second coupling assembly member in use, the locking means comprising a locking member and a locking means actuator.
  • the coupling assembly member is a hydraulic coupling assembly member, wherein the coupling assembly member comprises at least one hydraulic fitting.
  • an attachment member comprising a body, a first jaw to engage, in use, a first portion of a work tool, a second jaw which is moveable relative to the body to engage a second portion of the work tool, to thereby secure the work tool to the attachment member, and an actuator to move the second jaw relative to the first jaw
  • the attachment member further comprising a first coupling member, the first coupling member comprising a first coupling member body and at least one first hydraulic or electrical fitting connected to the first coupling member body, the coupling member further provided with locking means for releasable engagement with a second coupling member which is connected to the work tool, wherein the locking means comprising a locking member and a locking means actuator.
  • first and second coupling members are hydraulic coupling members and the first hydraulic coupling member is provided with at least one first hydraulic fitting.
  • the locking member is provided inside the first coupling member body.
  • the first hydraulic coupling member is slideably mounted to the body.
  • the attachment member comprises a second actuator for sliding the first hydraulic coupling member relative to the body between a non-coupling position and a coupling position.
  • movement of the second jaw moves the first hydraulic coupling member relative to the body between a non-coupling position and a coupling position.
  • the attachment member is provided with a guard means which moves from a guarding position to a non-guarding position as the first hydraulic coupling member moves from the non- coupling position to the coupling position.
  • the body comprises a cam surface
  • the guard comprises a cam surface following means.
  • the cam surface comprises a side wall of a slot or channel in a side wall of the body.
  • the cam surface following means comprises a roller.
  • a work tool provided with a coupling member, the coupling member comprising a body and at least one hydraulic or electrical fitting connected to the body, wherein the coupling member is provided with a locking means for releasable engagement with a second coupling member, the locking means comprising a locking member and a locking means actuator; or the coupling member comprises a receiving portion for receiving a locking means member, wherein the receiving portion does not comprise part of the hydraulic or electrical fitting, or a further hydraulic or electrical fitting.
  • the coupling member is a hydraulic coupling member and the hydraulic coupling member is provided with at least one hydraulic fitting.
  • the hydraulic coupling member is provided with an elongate guide member which comprises the receiving portion.
  • the receiving portion comprises a notch or channel which is shaped and configured to be engaged by a locking member in use.
  • the coupling member is resiliently mounted to the body of the work tool.
  • a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a first coupling member to a hydraulic coupling member, one of the first and second coupling members comprising a locking means for releasable engagement with the other of the first and second coupling members, the locking means comprising a locking member and a locking means actuator, the method comprising the steps of: i) moving the first and second coupling members together; and ii) Using the locking means actuator to move the locking member to an engaged position to thereby lock the first and second coupling members together.
  • the coupling member are hydraulic coupling members.
  • the method comprises automatically moving the locking member to an engaged position after the first and second hydraulic coupling members are connected together.
  • a hydraulic coupling assembly comprising a first coupling member comprising a first body and at least one first hydraulic fitting connected to the first body, the assembly further comprising a second coupling member comprising a second body and at least one second hydraulic fitting connected to the second body, the first and second coupling members adapted to connect together in use such that the at least one first hydraulic fitting engages the at least one second hydraulic fitting, wherein the first coupling member is provided with a locking means for releasable engagement with the second coupling member, the locking means comprising a locking member and a locking means actuator.
  • Figure 1 Is a perspective view of a first attachment member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second attachment member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the attachment members of Figures 1 and 2 connected
  • Figure 4 is a cross-section side view of the first attachment member of Figure 1.
  • Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a first hydraulic coupling member according to an
  • Figure 6 is a front view of the first hydraulic coupling member of Figure 6.
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of the first hydraulic coupling member of Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a second hydraulic coupling member according to an embodiment the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a front view of the second hydraulic coupling member of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is a plan view of the second hydraulic coupling member of Figure 8.
  • Figure 11 is a rear perspective exploded view of the second hydraulic coupling member of Figure 8.
  • Figure 12 is a side view of the first attachment member of Figure 1 being brought into
  • Figure 13 is a side view of the first and second attachment members in partial engagement, with side walls of the bodies of the attachment members removed for clarity.
  • Figure 14 is side view of the first and second attachment members in full engagement.
  • Figure 15 is side view of the first and second attachment members in full engagement, with the first hydraulic coupling member moved into contact with the second hydraulic coupling member, and with side walls of the bodies of the attachment members removed for clarity.
  • Figure 16 is an enlarged side view of the first and second attachment members in full
  • Figure 17 is an enlarged cross-section side view of the first and second attachment members in full engagement taken through a centre of the near side elongate guide member.
  • Figure 18 is an enlarged cross-section side view of the first and second attachment members in full engagement taken through a centre of a hydraulic fitting.
  • Figure 19 is an enlarged cross-section side view of the first and second attachment members in full engagement taken through a centre of the releasable locking means.
  • Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic system for operating the attachment assembly and the hydraulic coupling assembly.
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view of an attachment assembly and coupling assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, with the first and second attachment members partially engaged.
  • Figure 22 is an enlargement of area F of the coupling assembly of Figure 21.
  • Figure 23 is a perspective view of the first coupling member shown in Figure 21, with the cover members in a non-guarding position.
  • Figure 24 is a perspective view of the second coupling member shown in Figure 21, with the cover members in a non-guarding position.
  • Figure 25 is a transverse cross-section view of the first coupling member shown in Figure 21.
  • Figure 26 is a cross-section side view of the attachment assembly shown in Figure 21 with the first and second attachment members partially engaged.
  • Figure 27 is a partially exploded perspective view of the second attachment member shown in
  • Figure 21 Figure 28 is a cross-section side view of the attachment assembly shown in Figure 21 with the first and attachment member rotated such that the first and second coupling members are abutting each other.
  • Figure 29 is an enlargement of area D of the first and second coupling members shown in Figure
  • Figure 30A shows the first and second coupling members in partial engagement.
  • Figure 30B shows the first and second coupling members in near-full engagement.
  • Figure 30C shows the first and second coupling members in full engagement.
  • Figure 31 shows the attachment assembly of Figure 21 with the first and second attachment members fully engaged, and the first and second coupling member fully engaged.
  • Figure 32 shows an enlargement of area E of Figure 31.
  • an attachment assembly of the present invention is generally referenced by arrow 100.
  • the attachment assembly 100 comprises a first attachment member, generally referenced by arrow 101, and a second attachment member, generally referenced by arrow 102.
  • the attachment assembly 100 is provided with a coupling assembly, generally referenced by arrow 200.
  • the coupling assembly is configured as a hydraulic coupling assembly.
  • a coupling assembly described herein as a "hydraulic coupling assembly” may also comprise at least one electrical connector in addition to hydraulic connectors.
  • the hydraulic coupling assembly comprises a first coupling member 201 and a second coupling member 202.
  • the first coupling member 201 is connected to the first attachment member 101
  • the second coupling member 202 is connected to the second attachment member 102, preferably by a resilient connection.
  • the first coupling member 201 comprises a body 201A to which is connected at least one, and more preferably a plurality of female hydraulic fittings 1.
  • the female fittings 1 are adapted to receive and form a fluid tight connection with the complementary male hydraulic fittings 2 which are connected to the body 202A of the second coupling member 202.
  • Suitable hydraulic fittings are well known to those skilled in the art and are not described further herein.
  • the assembly 200 may also be provided with one, or more than one, electrical connector, comprising a plug 3 and a complementary socket 4.
  • a plug 3 is mounted to the body 202A of the second coupling member 202 and the socket 4 to the body 201A of the first coupling member 201, although in other embodiments these positions may be reversed.
  • One of the first and second coupling member bodies 201A, 202A is provided with a locking means for releasably locking the two coupling members 201, 202 into engagement.
  • two releasable locking means 5 are provided, each comprising a hydraulic cylinder 6 which is provided with an extendible member in the form of a pin 7.
  • the cylinder 6 is adapted to extend or withdraw the pin 7, thereby moving it between an engaged and a disengaged position respectively.
  • the hydraulic cylinder may be replaced by an alternative actuating means, for example an electrical solenoid or a stepper motor.
  • the actuating means allow the releasable locking means to be engaged and disengaged remotely and/or automatically.
  • the second coupling member 202 is provided with a pair of elongate guide members 8 which extend from a front face 9 of the second coupling means body 202A and are spaced and shaped to engage corresponding guide apertures 10 provided in a front face 11 of the first coupling member body 201A.
  • the elongate guide members 8 are preferably tapered at a forward end 12 thereof in order to assist with engagement with the guide apertures 10.
  • the second coupling means 202 is preferably also provided with at least one resilient mounting block 30. These allow a small amount of relative movement between the second coupling means body 202A and the second attachment member 102, which may assist with alignment and proper engagement of the male and female fittings 1, 2.
  • the elongate guide members 8 preferably extend further from the front face 9 than the male hydraulic fittings 2.
  • the elongate guide members 8 are provided with a notch or channel 13 on one side thereof.
  • the guide members 8 are substantially circular in transverse cross-section, and the notch or channel extends around the entire circumference of the elongate guide member 8. However, this is not essential, and in some embodiments the notch or channel may not extend around the circumference.
  • the notch or channel 13 provides a receiving portion for the pin 7, as is described further below.
  • the receiving portion is not provided on the hydraulic fittings 1, 2, although in some embodiments the hydraulic fittings 1, 2 may be provided with suitable structure to interengage and provide a small resistance to disengagement, as is known to those skilled in the art. In preferred embodiments the hydraulic fittings 1, 2 do not include such a structure.
  • the releasable locking means 5 are located such that the pin 7 of each locking means 5 extends into a respective guide aperture 10 when extended.
  • the pins 7 extend substantially transversely to the central axes 14 of the female hydraulic fittings 1, however, in other embodiments the pins may extend at other angles which are non-parallel to the central axes 14, provided the orientation or geometry of the notch or channel 13 is modified to suit.
  • elongate guide member 8 may have an aperture therethrough (completely or partially) rather than being provided with a notch or channel. In this embodiment the pin 7 may be extend into the aperture to lock the first and second coupling members together.
  • first coupling member 201 is slideably mounted to a body 15 of the first attachment assembly 101.
  • An actuator typically a hydraulic actuator 16 is provided to move the first coupling member 201 relative to the body 15. Operation of the attachment assembly and hydraulic coupling assembly will now be described in more details with reference to Figures 12 - 19.
  • engagement of the first and second attachment members 101, 102 begins with engagement of a front pin 17 of the second attachment member 102 with a static jaw 18 of the first attachment member 101.
  • the first and second attachment members 101, 102 are then rotated relative to each other about the front pin 17 until a rear pin 19 of the second attachment member 102 is aligned with a mouth of a sliding jaw 20 of the first attachment member 101, as shown in Figure 13.
  • a further hydraulic cylinder 31 then moves the sliding jaw 20 to engage the rear pin 19.
  • a front pin locking means 21 may also be extended to lock the front pin 17 into engagement with the static jaw 18.
  • actuator 16 begins to move the first coupling member 201 towards the second coupling member 202.
  • both the first and second coupling members 201, 202 are preferably provided with respective first and second guard means 22, 23.
  • the guard means 22, 23 prevent accidental damage to the female and male hydraulic fittings 1, 2 when the coupling members 201, 202 are separated.
  • the first guard means 22 is preferably slideable in a transverse direction to the direction that the coupling member 201 moves under the action of actuator 16.
  • the first guard means is preferably provided with cam engaging means 24 which engage a cam surface 25 provided on the body 15 of the first attachment member 15.
  • the cam surface 25 is a side wall of a slot or channel 26 provided in a side wall of the body 15 (best seen in Figure 4), and the cam engaging means 24 is a roller which extends from a side of the first guard means 22.
  • the second guard means 23 is preferably rotatably connected to the body 202A of the second coupling member 202, and is preferably provided with a convex cam portion 27 which extends radially from the centre of rotation of the guard means 23.
  • the circuit comprises a pilot pump 40 and a main pump 41.
  • the circuit is adapted to operate hydraulic cylinders 6 to extend pins 7 after actuators 16 are fully extended (during connection of the coupling members), and to withdraw the pins 7 before actuators 6 begin to retract when the coupling members 201, 202 are drawn apart.
  • priority valves 32 are provided to operate the actuators 6, 16 in the correct sequence dependent on whether the attachment member is being connected or disconnected to a work tool.
  • the releasable locking means cannot be moved to the disengaged position by means of a force applied to the first and second coupling members 201, 202 (for instance a reaction force due to hydraulic pressure in fittings 1, 2). Rather, the releasable locking means can only be disengaged by actuation of cylinder 6. While the embodiment described above is provided with a dedicated actuator 16 for moving the first coupling member 201 towards the second coupling member 202, in some embodiments the movement of the sliding jaw 20 may move the first and second coupling members 201, 202 into engagement, as described in WO2010062193.
  • FIG. 300 another embodiment of an attachment assembly is generally referenced by arrow 300.
  • the attachment assembly 300 is provided with another embodiment of the coupling assembly, generally referenced by arrow 400.
  • the coupling assembly 400 comprises a first coupling member 401 and a second coupling member 402.
  • the first coupling member 401 is connected to the first attachment member 301
  • the second coupling member 402 is connected to the second attachment member 302, preferably by a resiliently flexible connection as described further below.
  • the first coupling member 401 comprises a body 50 to which is connected at least one, and more preferably a plurality of female hydraulic fittings 1.
  • the female fittings 1 are adapted to receive and form a fluid tight connection with the complementary male hydraulic fittings 2 which are connected to the body 51 of the second coupling member 402. In other embodiments the relative positions of the male and female hydraulic fittings 50, 51 may be swapped.
  • the first coupling member 401 is provided with a locking means 52 for releasably locking the two coupling members into engagement.
  • two releasable locking means 52 are provided, each comprising an extendible member in the form of a pin 7, the pins each connected to or forming part of a hydraulic actuator 53 (best seen in Figure 25) which is integrally formed with the coupling member 401.
  • other forms of actuating means may be used to actuate the releasable locking means 52.
  • the pins 7 are biased outwardly by a biasing means such as a spring 54 to an engaged or locking position, and can be retracted to a disengaged or unlocked position by means of the hydraulic actuators 53.
  • a biasing means such as a spring 54 to an engaged or locking position, and can be retracted to a disengaged or unlocked position by means of the hydraulic actuators 53.
  • the first coupling member 401 is attached, in use, to a first attachment member 301 and the second coupling member 402 is attached, in use, to a second attachment member 302.
  • engagement of the first and second attachment members 301, 302 begins with engagement of a front pin 17 of the second attachment member 302 with a static jaw 18 of the first attachment member 301.
  • the first and second attachment members 301, 302 are then rotated relative to each other about the front pin 17 until a rear pin 19 of the second attachment member 302 is aligned with a mouth of a sliding jaw 20 of the first attachment member 301.
  • a hydraulic cylinder 31 then moves the sliding jaw 20 to engage the rear pin 19, as shown in Figure 31.
  • a front pin locking means 21 may also be extended to lock the front pin 17 into engagement with the static jaw 18.
  • the hydraulic fittings 1 of the first coupling member 401 are arranged such that their central axes 14 are substantially transverse (for example, within the range 85° to 95°) to a notional line 55 extending radially from a centreline of the static jaw 18 (the centerline of the static jaw being defined as the position of the centreline of the front pin 17, when the front pin 17 is engaged with the static jaw 18) to the front face of the hydraulic fittings 1.
  • the hydraulic fittings 2 of the second coupling member 402 are arranged such that their central axes are substantially transverse to a notional line extending radially from the centreline of the front pin to the front face of the hydraulic fittings.
  • the mounting of the first and second coupling members to the first and second attachment members is such that the male and female hydraulic fittings are brought into engagement by the rotation of the first and second attachment members relative to each other about the front pin.
  • the hydraulic actuator 16 used in the first embodiment described above is not required.
  • the second coupling member 402 is preferably resiliently mounted to the second attachment member 302 in use.
  • the second coupling member 402 is connected to or engaged with a plurality of resilient blocks 52 (for example, made from polyurethane) which are engaged with respective apertures 57 or other suitable formations in the second attachment member 302.
  • the body of the second coupling member 402 is not provided with an elongate guide member which is adapted to engage a corresponding guide aperture provided in a front face of the first coupling member body (although variations of this embodiment may include these features).
  • the second coupling member 402 comprises a channel formation 58 which is adapted to engage a protruding guide formation 59 provided either on the first coupling member 401, or on an attachment member to which the first coupling member 401 is mounted in use (as shown best in Figure 22).
  • Each channel 58 preferably comprises an outwardly flared open end which forms a mouth 60.
  • the receiving portions for the locking means 52 are provided as apertures 61 in the side walls of the channel formations 58.
  • both the first and second coupling members 401, 402 are provided with guard means which prevent accidental damage to the female and male hydraulic fittings 1, 2 when the coupling members are separated, and continue to provide protection until the fittings are sealed.
  • the first guard means comprises first and second cover members 61, 62 which are rotatably connected the first coupling member 401 about respective rotational axes which are transverse to the central axes 14 of hydraulic connectors 1, and the second guard means comprises third and fourth cover members 63, 64 which are rotatably connected to the second coupling member 402 about respective rotational axes which transverse to the central axes of hydraulic connectors 2.
  • the first and second cover members 61, 62 are biased to rotate towards each other to a guarding position (not shown).
  • the third and fourth cover members are similarly biased.
  • Figures 23 and 24 show the cover members 61-64 in an open or non-guarding position.
  • the third and fourth cover members 63, 64 are each provided with a first engagement formation 65 which comprises a partially cylindrical outer surface 66.
  • the first and second cover members 61, 62 are provided with second engagement formations 67 which comprise concave surfaces 68 having substantially the same radius as the partially cylindrical outer surfaces 66.
  • the spacing and orientation of the first engagement formations 65 and second engagement formations 67 is such that when the attachment members 301, 302 are rotated into engagement about the front pin 17, the first engagement formations 65 engage the second engagement formations 67, as shown in Figures 28-31.
  • first and second engagement formations 65a, 67a closest to the front pin 17 may come into engagement before the first and second engagement formations 65b, 67b which are furthest from the front pin 17.
  • the resultant force may rotate the second coupling member 402 such that it is parallel with the first coupling member 401, such movement being possible due to the resilient mounting referred to above.
  • the engagement of the guide formations 59 and the channel formations 58 may cause or at least contribute to this rotation and alignment.
  • the first and second covers may be provided with the engagement formations having a partially cylindrical outer surface, and the third and fourth covers may be provided with the engagement formations which comprise the concave surfaces.
  • the hydraulic actuators 53 may be activated to keep the pins 7 in the withdrawn or disengaged state until the first and second attachment members 301, 302 are fully engaged.
  • the hydraulic actuators 53 may be deactivated before the attachment members are fully engaged 301, 302, and the pins 7 may automatically extend into the apertures 61 under the action of the biasing means 54 when correctly indexed with the apertures.
  • coupling members 401, 402 may be provided with electrical connections in addition to the hydraulic connectors shown, or a coupling assembly may be provided with one or more electrical connectors and no hydraulic connectors.
  • the invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble de couplage (400) comprenant un premier élément de couplage (401) comprenant un premier corps (50) et au moins un premier raccord hydraulique ou électrique (1) connecté au premier corps. L'ensemble comprend en outre un second élément de couplage (402) comprenant un second corps (51) et au moins un second raccord hydraulique ou électrique (2) connecté au second corps (51). Les premier et second éléments de couplage (401, 402) sont conçus pour se connecter l'un à l'autre lors de l'utilisation de sorte que ledit premier raccord (1) coopère avec ledit second raccord (2). Le premier élément de couplage (401) est pourvu d'un moyen de verrouillage (52) permettant une mise en prise amovible avec le second élément de couplage (402), le moyen de verrouillage (52) comprenant un élément de verrouillage (7) et un actionneur (53) de moyen de verrouillage.
PCT/NZ2017/050138 2016-10-21 2017-10-20 Ensemble de couplage et élément de fixation comprenant un élément de couplage WO2018074937A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ71909716 2016-10-21
NZ719097 2016-10-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018074937A1 true WO2018074937A1 (fr) 2018-04-26

Family

ID=62019449

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ2017/050138 WO2018074937A1 (fr) 2016-10-21 2017-10-20 Ensemble de couplage et élément de fixation comprenant un élément de couplage

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2018074937A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020107069A1 (fr) 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 Hughes Asset Group Pty Ltd Attelage
DE202019101747U1 (de) * 2019-03-27 2020-06-30 Kinshofer Gmbh Schnellwechsler für Baumaschinenwerkzeuge
EP3680393A1 (fr) * 2019-01-08 2020-07-15 Hiltec Designs Ltd Coupleur doté d'un système de connexion électrique
EP3699362A1 (fr) * 2019-02-21 2020-08-26 Geel Vermietungs- und Beteiligungs GmbH Système de couplage destiné au couplage interchangeable d'un appareil isolé avec une machine de travail
EP3705630A1 (fr) * 2019-03-05 2020-09-09 OilQuick Deutschland GmbH Système à changement rapide, adaptateur et dispositif de changement rapide
EP3730697A1 (fr) * 2019-03-18 2020-10-28 OilQuick Deutschland GmbH Adaptateur pour un système de changement rapide et système de changement rapide doté d'un tel adaptateur

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5333400A (en) * 1989-07-18 1994-08-02 Sonerud John Teodor Coupling of drive systems to an accessory or an excavator of the like
US20020157287A1 (en) * 2001-03-09 2002-10-31 Rolf Mieger Quick coupling
US6899509B1 (en) * 2000-09-08 2005-05-31 Mailleux S.A. Method and a system for establishing mechanical and multiple-fluid couplings between a tool and a tool-carrier frame
DE102004014824A1 (de) * 2004-03-24 2005-10-06 Lehnhoff Hartstahl Gmbh & Co Schnellkupplungsvorrichtung für die Medien an einem Baugerät
US7464967B2 (en) * 2004-08-02 2008-12-16 Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger Gmbh Hydraulic quick coupling
US20150211206A1 (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-07-30 Bauer Maschinen Gmbh Mast arrangement and method for connecting a tool unit to a mast carriage of a mast arrangement

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5333400A (en) * 1989-07-18 1994-08-02 Sonerud John Teodor Coupling of drive systems to an accessory or an excavator of the like
US6899509B1 (en) * 2000-09-08 2005-05-31 Mailleux S.A. Method and a system for establishing mechanical and multiple-fluid couplings between a tool and a tool-carrier frame
US20020157287A1 (en) * 2001-03-09 2002-10-31 Rolf Mieger Quick coupling
DE102004014824A1 (de) * 2004-03-24 2005-10-06 Lehnhoff Hartstahl Gmbh & Co Schnellkupplungsvorrichtung für die Medien an einem Baugerät
US7464967B2 (en) * 2004-08-02 2008-12-16 Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger Gmbh Hydraulic quick coupling
US20150211206A1 (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-07-30 Bauer Maschinen Gmbh Mast arrangement and method for connecting a tool unit to a mast carriage of a mast arrangement

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020107069A1 (fr) 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 Hughes Asset Group Pty Ltd Attelage
EP3887605A4 (fr) * 2018-11-30 2022-08-17 Hughes Asset Group Pty Ltd Attelage
GB2580380B (en) * 2019-01-08 2021-07-21 Hiltec Designs Ltd Coupler with power connection system
GB2580380A (en) * 2019-01-08 2020-07-22 Hiltec Designs Ltd Coupler with power connection system
GB2581263A (en) * 2019-01-08 2020-08-12 Hiltec Designs Ltd Coupler with power connection system
EP3680393A1 (fr) * 2019-01-08 2020-07-15 Hiltec Designs Ltd Coupleur doté d'un système de connexion électrique
GB2581263B (en) * 2019-01-08 2021-12-08 Hiltec Designs Ltd Coupler with power connection system
US11332908B2 (en) 2019-01-08 2022-05-17 Hiltec Designs Ltd Coupler with power connection system
EP3699362A1 (fr) * 2019-02-21 2020-08-26 Geel Vermietungs- und Beteiligungs GmbH Système de couplage destiné au couplage interchangeable d'un appareil isolé avec une machine de travail
EP3705630A1 (fr) * 2019-03-05 2020-09-09 OilQuick Deutschland GmbH Système à changement rapide, adaptateur et dispositif de changement rapide
DE102019105486A1 (de) * 2019-03-05 2020-09-10 Oilquick Deutschland Gmbh Schnellwechselsystem, Adapter und Schnellwechsler
EP3730697A1 (fr) * 2019-03-18 2020-10-28 OilQuick Deutschland GmbH Adaptateur pour un système de changement rapide et système de changement rapide doté d'un tel adaptateur
US11274414B2 (en) 2019-03-18 2022-03-15 OilQuick Deutschland KG Adapter for a quick-change system and quick-change system having such an adapter
DE202019101747U1 (de) * 2019-03-27 2020-06-30 Kinshofer Gmbh Schnellwechsler für Baumaschinenwerkzeuge
US11441290B2 (en) 2019-03-27 2022-09-13 Kinshofer Gmbh Quick-hitch for construction vehicle tools

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2018074937A1 (fr) Ensemble de couplage et élément de fixation comprenant un élément de couplage
US8281506B2 (en) Tool coupler assembly
EP1849921B1 (fr) Dispositif de verrouillage pour interface de fixation hydraulique
US9228314B2 (en) Quick coupler hydraulic control system
RU2491388C2 (ru) Соединительное устройство для присоединения рабочего инструмента, машина, содержащая соединительное устройство, и способ соединения соединительного устройства машины с соединительным устройством рабочего инструмента
EP2167738B1 (fr) Ensemble coupleur rapide pour la connection d'un outil de travail à un bras d'un engin de travail
AU2017330165B2 (en) Quick hitch coupler
EP3241949B1 (fr) Coupleur rapide de préhension de broche d'excavateur intégré
WO1995009281A1 (fr) Dispositif de fixation de godets pourvu de pivots retractables telecommandes
EP3052706B1 (fr) Interface d'accessoire
EP3643873B1 (fr) Clé à commande hydraulique à distance
EP3176331B1 (fr) Appareil et procédé d'assemblage d'outil de travail d'une machine
KR101043036B1 (ko) 어태치먼트의 완전 장착을 보장하는 중장비용 어태치먼트 커플러
EP2766529B1 (fr) Verrou à broches avant pour un dispositif d'attachement d'outil
US9546469B2 (en) Device to actuate a fluid connector contamination cover
EP3312350B1 (fr) Appareil pour le raccordement entre le bras et l'outil d'un engin de travail
WO2014165329A1 (fr) Système de verrouillage pour porte-outil à attache rapide
KR20150093359A (ko) 건설기계용 퀵커플러
EP2426269B1 (fr) Agencement de couplage
EP3754118B1 (fr) Ensemble de couplage et procédé de couplage hydraulique à un outil
KR101533841B1 (ko) 퀵 커플러의 자동안전장치
EP3173535B1 (fr) Appareil et procédé de couplage d'outil de travail à une machine
EP1138833B1 (fr) Dispositif pour le rapide montage et demontage d'un outil d'excavation sur une excavatrice hydraulique
EP3184699B1 (fr) Appareil de couplage
EP3567163B1 (fr) Dispositif verrou de sécurité pour dispositif d'attache rapide

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 17862036

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 17862036

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1