Excavator with Expanded Work Implement Compatibility

a work implement and work implement technology, applied in the field of machines, can solve the problems of limiting the functionality of the mini excavators, and the work implements used on skid steer loaders were not capable of us

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-10-30
CATERPILLAR INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an excavator that can be used with both an undercarriage implement and a turret implement. The excavator has an undercarriage assembly with a undercarriage frame, ground-engaging member, and an undercarriage implement support. There is also a lift actuator that can pivot the undercarriage implement support. The excavator also has a turret assembly with a turret frame, boom, and stick. The undercarriage implement and the turret implement can be easily attached and detached from the excavator. The technical effect of the patent text is that it provides an excavator that can work with different types of undercarriage implements and turret implements.

Problems solved by technology

Historically, the work implements used on skid steer loaders were not capable for use on mini excavators due to different mounting requirements.
Additionally, the adapter of the '158 patent only permits the use of one attachment at a time, thereby limiting the functionality of the mini excavator.

Method used

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  • Excavator with Expanded Work Implement Compatibility
  • Excavator with Expanded Work Implement Compatibility
  • Excavator with Expanded Work Implement Compatibility

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0014]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary machine in the form of an excavator 10 having multiple systems and components that cooperate to accomplish a task. The machine may embody a fixed or mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. For example, the machine may be an earth moving machine such as a mini excavator (as shown), a backhoe, a track-type tractor, a loader, a motor grader, or any other earth moving machine. The excavator 10 may include an implement system 12 configured to move one or more implements, a drive system 14 for propelling ground engaging members 16, a power source 18 (FIG. 1) that provides power to implement system 12 and drive system 14, and an operator station 20 for operator control of implement system 12 and drive system 14.

[0015]The power source 18 may embody an engine such as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine,...

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PUM

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Abstract

An excavator has an undercarriage assembly and a turret assembly rotatable relative to the undercarriage assembly. The undercarriage assembly has an undercarriage implement support that may pivot about a lift axis. An undercarriage coupler is coupled to the undercarriage support and includes an undercarriage coupler interface that is configure to operably engage an undercarriage implement interface provide on an undercarriage implement. The turret assembly also carries a turret implement, and therefore the excavator may simultaneously employ both the undercarriage implement and the turret implement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure generally relates to machines used in work applications, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for connecting work implements to excavators.BACKGROUND[0002]Different types of work implements are known for use with machines, such as skid steer loaders and mini excavators. In general, the work implement is particularly suited for use with a given type of machine. For example, a mini excavator implement is configured for attachment to the boom of a mini excavator, while a skid steer loader implement is configured for attachment to a skid steer loader. Historically, the work implements used on skid steer loaders were not capable for use on mini excavators due to different mounting requirements. Consequently, both types of equipment were often transported to a work site where both a mini excavator and skid steer work implement were required. Alternatively, operators were forced to purchase two sets of attachments for a particular task ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E02F3/96
CPCE02F3/961E02F3/96E02F3/325E02F3/3627E02F3/364E02F3/964
InventorPARKER, JEFFREY M.LAYKO, MICHAEL C.SPEICHINGER, JUSTIN D.
OwnerCATERPILLAR INC