Loading crane changer

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for changing work implements on a loading crane, comprising a first connecting member on the work implement side or the loading crane side, and a second connecting member on the loading crane side or the work implement side. The first connecting member has a receiving opening, and the second connecting member has a guide member extending along a longitudinal axis and capable of engaging the receiving opening along the longitudinal axis due to movement of the first and second connecting members together. The first connecting member includes a support surface axially abutting the second connecting member, and the second connecting member includes a bearing surface corresponding to the support surface. At least one locking element is movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the second connecting member between a released position and a holding position by means of an actuator. According to the invention, the locking element has a clamping surface for force-locking abutting the first connecting member, and the first connecting member includes an abutting surface corresponding to the clamping surface for axially clamping the first and second connecting members without clearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for changing working tools on a loading crane, as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Loading cranes and similar equipment are used to load goods onto transport vehicles or trailers. They can be stationary or mobile. Loading cranes are typically directly connected to the transport vehicle or trailer.

[0003] Loading cranes are used for tasks such as loading logs or branches from forestry plants, loading palletized or bagged cargo, or loading strip cargo for construction sites or logistics companies. The diversity of cargo requires suitable tools or loading grapples, such as pliers, claws, or forks with or without a rotary actuator (rotator), to align the grapples with the load to be gripped. This sometimes necessitates frequent changes of the tools or grapples on the loading crane. Various quick-connect couplings make tool changes easier.

[0004] A universal quick-connector for attaching a work implement to the handle of a hydraulic excavator is known from DE 3 135 150C1. The known quick-connector includes a substantially rotationally symmetrical, loader-side connecting member that is inserted via a pin-shaped guide into a corresponding canister-shaped receiving portion of the work implement-side connecting member and is held in a form-fitting manner by a hydraulically operable locking element. To lock or form-fit the connecting member, a bolt-shaped locking element movably arranged on the work implement's connecting member moves into a receiving portion designed with a transverse hole in the pin-shaped guide of the loader-side connecting member.

[0005] This quick-connector ensures rapid tool change, where the user needs the most direct force transmission and seamless connection possible between the loading crane and the tool. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding device in which force transmission and connection between a loading crane and a working tool can be improved.

[0007] This task is accomplished by a device having the features of claim 1 for changing the working implements on a loading crane. Suitable designs and advantageous improvements of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0008] The device for changing a work implement on a loading crane according to the present invention includes a first connecting member on the work implement side or the loading crane side, and a second connecting member on the loading crane side or the work implement side. The first connecting member has a receiving opening, and the second connecting member has a guide member extending along a longitudinal axis and capable of engaging with the receiving opening of the first connecting member along the longitudinal axis due to movement of the first and second connecting members together. The first connecting member has a support surface for axially abutting against the second connecting member, and the second connecting member has a bearing surface corresponding to the support surface, and at least one locking element movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the second connecting member between a released position and a holding position by means of an actuator. The locking element includes a clamping surface for force-locking abutting against the first connecting member. The first connecting member has a mating surface corresponding to the clamping surface for gapless axial clamping of the first and second connecting members. Due to the combined action of the clamping surface and the mating surface, axial clamping and direct power transmission are achieved, allowing the second connecting member to be connected to or moved with the first connecting member without gap. This enables precise movement of the work implement and achieves high positioning accuracy of the work implement. Furthermore, vibration-related wear on the contact surfaces of the first and second connecting parts can be reduced. In addition, significant load absorption of torque is achieved through axial clamping, as the torque can be transmitted via frictional force transmission through the support and contact surfaces, thus eliminating the need for the locking element to transmit any torque.

[0009] Preferably, the first connecting component is arranged on the working device, and the second connecting component is arranged on the loading crane. However, in the sense of the present invention, the loading crane side and the working device side should be considered interchangeable. Alternatively, the first connecting component can be arranged on the loading crane and the second connecting component on the working device.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the clamping surface on the locking element and the abutment surface on the first connecting member are designed as corresponding bevels with corresponding angles. This achieves a particularly good wedge effect for generating axial pull-in force. Alternatively, an additional clamping surface can be provided on the locking element as a spare clamping surface. This can be used by rotating the locking element accordingly about its longitudinal axis.

[0011] Advantageously, the support surface on the first connecting member and the corresponding support surface on the second connecting member are designed as conical surfaces. This allows for precise alignment or centering of the two connecting members during assembly, as well as optimal support surfaces. The support and support surfaces can be inclined, for example, at an angle of 20° to 50°, preferably 30°, relative to the central axis of the first connecting member or the longitudinal axis of the second connecting member. The support and support surfaces can also be designed as planes.

[0012] The mating of the clamping surface on the locking element and the abutment surface on the first connecting member can be advantageously designed to automatically lock the locking element in a retaining position. This prevents the locking element from automatically disengaging in both the connected and locked positions of the two connecting members. Self-locking can be achieved by appropriately selecting the inclination of the clamping and abutment surfaces. In one possible embodiment, the clamping surface can be inclined at an angle β of approximately 30° relative to the longitudinal axis of the locking element. The abutment surface on the first connecting member corresponding to the clamping surface can also be inclined at 30° relative to an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the first connecting member.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the first connecting member has a can-shaped base with a central axis and a circular receiving opening concentric with the central axis. The second connecting member may include a disc-shaped upper part and a cylindrical guide extending along a longitudinal axis for engaging in the receiving opening of the first connecting member.

[0014] Preferably, at least one positioning and alignment element / positioning orientation element is arranged on the guide member of the second connecting member and on the receiving opening of the first connecting member for angular positioning of the two connecting members. This predetermines a defined angular position for engagement of the guide member in the receiving opening of the first connecting member. This ensures that the plug connector arranged on the first connecting member is correctly engaged with the corresponding mating connector on the second connecting member. Additionally, this provides a torsional stop to prevent undesirable rotation of the first and second connecting members.

[0015] Appropriately, two radially opposed locking elements are arranged on the second connecting member. This achieves central clamping and uniform force distribution. However, it is also possible to provide only one or more locking elements. Compared to an embodiment with only one locking element, using multiple locking elements reduces the relative load on the locking elements. This also results in a more uniform force distribution.

[0016] A suitable damping element for cushioning impacts when the two connecting parts move together can be arranged on the first or second connecting part in another advantageous manner. Damage caused by impact can be avoided by the damping element. The damping element, suitably arranged between the first and second connecting parts, can be designed, for example, as an elastically deformable block. Springs or other damping elements are also possible.

[0017] The actuator for moving at least one locking element is preferably designed as a hydraulic actuator with a piston that can move within a piston chamber. However, pneumatic, electric, or other actuators can also be used. Preferably, the piston, which can be loaded on both sides, and the through-hole inside the guide member for axially guiding the piston, can advantageously have a non-circular cross-section. This non-circular cross-section clearly defines the angular position of the locking element in the guide and ensures prevention of rotation. This allows it to be easily ensured that the clamping surface on the locking element is always in the correct position. The cross-section can be constructed, for example, as a slightly elliptical or polygonal shape, designed, for example, in the form of a hexagon or octahedron. Other torsional stops are also possible.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous manner, the locking element can be integrally formed with the piston. This simplifies the actuator.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, a visual indicator / visual indicator for monitoring whether the lock is properly engaged may be arranged on the first or second connecting member.

[0020] Compatible supply couplings, particularly in the form of energy supply couplings or hydraulic quick couplings, can be arranged on the first and second coupling components. This enables the supply of hydraulic fluid and / or electricity to the workpiece. Alternatively or additionally, a hydraulic actuator or energy consumer can be connected to or on the second coupling component, for example, as a rotary drive (rotating body) mounted on or integrated into the second coupling component, by means of which the workpiece can be rotated relative to the coupling axis. However, the hydraulic actuator or energy consumer can also be, for example, a locking element additionally integrated into the second coupling component for a form-fit or friction-driven connection between the first and second coupling components. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of two connecting parts of a device for changing work tools while still disconnected is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of two connecting components that are not yet connected is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of two connected components in a connected state is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 A piston with an integrated locking element is shown in perspective.

[0026] Figure 5 Shown in side view Figure 4 The piston in, and

[0027] Figure 6 Shown in front view Figure 4 The piston. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view and a sectional view of an apparatus for changing working tools on a loading crane according to the present invention are shown, wherein the first connecting part 1 on the working tool side and the second connecting part 2 on the loading crane side are still not connected.

[0029] The first connecting component 1, which can be fixed to a working tool, has a can-shaped base with a central axis 3 and a circular receiving opening 4 concentric with the central axis 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the can-shaped base consists of a plate-shaped lower component 6 with a flange-shaped connecting component 5 and an annular upper component 7 defining the circular receiving opening 3. The annular upper component 7 is fixed to the plate-shaped lower component 6 by screws 8. The plate-shaped lower component 5 can be mounted on a bucket, forklift, or other working tool through a drilled hole 9 in the connecting component 5. The annular upper component has an annular upper end face 10 and a support surface 11, designed here in a conical shape, in the upper region of the receiving opening 3 for supporting the second connecting component 2.

[0030] Especially from Figure 2 As can be seen, two radially opposing recesses 12 are arranged on the inner side of the annular upper component 7, each recess having a downward-pointing, inclined abutment surface 13. Within the two guide sleeves 15 screwed into the transverse holes 14 in the regions of the recesses 12, an operating bolt 16 is also guided radially movable; this operating bolt is pre-tensioned inward by a spring and protrudes inward. An observation bolt 17, movable within the guide sleeve 15, is fixed to the outwardly protruding end of the operating bolt 16 relative to the upper component 7. The two radially movable operating bolts 16 with observation bolts 17 form a visual indicator for monitoring whether the locking is correct. A longitudinal groove in the form of a rectangular cross-section is also arranged on the inner side of the annular upper component 7. Figure 1A identifiable positioning element 18 is provided. The positioning element 18, constructed as a longitudinal groove, is arranged 90° offset from the recess 12 in the circumferential direction of the upper component and serves as a positioning aid for the proper insertion of the second connecting component 2. A plug-in connector 19 protruding into the receiving opening 3 is arranged on the plate-shaped lower component 6 of the first connecting component 1 for connection with a corresponding mating connector on the second connecting component 2. This allows, for example, the supply of hydraulic fluid or other energy carriers to these working tools. The coupling connector 19 can also be designed for transmitting electrical energy or electrical signals for monitoring or control.

[0031] The second connecting member 2, which can be connected to the first connecting member 1, includes a stepped cylindrical base with a longitudinal axis 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the base of the second connecting member 2 has a disc-shaped upper member 21 and a cylindrical guide member 22 extending along the longitudinal axis 20 with two opposing caps 23 for engagement in the receiving opening 3 of the first connecting member 1. The disc-shaped upper member 21 and the cylindrical guide member 22 can be integrally formed as a connecting member. However, they can also be designed as separate components that can be fastened to each other, for example, via screws.

[0032] The second connecting component 2, designed here as a disc, has drilled holes 24 in its upper component 21 for fixing to a loading crane or rotary drive. Additionally, the upper component 21 is provided with multiple connectors 25 and 26 for supplying hydraulic fluid, etc. Other connectors for power supply or for relaying control signals may also be arranged in the upper component 21.

[0033] The shape and size of the cylindrical guide member 22 are matched with the receiving opening 3 of the first connecting member 1. The guide member 22 and the cover 23 are provided with... Figure 2 A conical support surface 27, identifiable in the figure, is used to abut against the conical support surface 11 of the first connecting member 1. The conical support surface 27 on the second connecting member 2 and the corresponding support surface 11 on the first connecting member 1 have the same slope, and in the illustrated embodiment, are inclined at an angle α of 30° relative to the longitudinal axis 3 or 20, respectively. This achieves alignment during assembly and, on the other hand, a precisely positioned connection for alignment of the first and second connecting members 1 and 2. An alignment element / orientation positioning element, not shown in the figures, is also present on the outer side of the guide member 22 for engaging with the positioning element 18, which is designed as a longitudinal groove on the first connecting member 1. This alignment element is designed as a flange. The flange and the associated longitudinal groove on the guide member 22 predefine the defined insertion position for the guide member 22 to engage with the receiving opening 4 of the first connecting member 1. This ensures the correct connection of the plug-in connector 19 arranged on the first connecting member 1 with the corresponding mating connector on the second connecting member 2. Figure 3The additional receiving portion 28 of the plurality of damping elements 29 shown is located on the bottom side of the guide member 22.

[0034] In the through hole 30 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 20 in the guide component 22, Figures 4 to 6 Two pistons 31, shown separately, are movably guided transversely to the longitudinal axis 20. Bolt-like locking elements 32 are formed on opposite sides of each piston 31 for engagement with the recesses 12 of the first connecting element 1. Figure 4 As can be seen, the piston 31 and the bolt-shaped locking element 32 share a common longitudinal axis 33. A through hole 30 and two lateral caps 23 define a piston chamber in which the two pistons 31 can... Figure 2 The shown rendezvous points and Figure 3 Hydraulic movement is achieved between the shown separation positions. This is accomplished by a piston chamber defined by a through-hole 30 and two caps 23, and by two pistons 31 with corresponding fluid supplies, which enable the two locking elements 32 to move hydraulically between the shown separation positions. Figure 2 The move-in release position and in Figure 3 The movement is between the removed holding positions shown. However, electromechanical, pneumatic, or other actuators can also be used to move the locking element 32.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, two diagonally opposite locking elements 32 are disposed on the guide member 22. This achieves uniform and centering tension. However, it is also possible to use only one locking element or two or more locking elements. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis 32 of the piston 31 with integrated locking elements 32 is arranged perpendicular to and coaxial with the longitudinal axis 20 of the second connecting member 2. However, in an alternative embodiment, the piston 31 or locking element 32 may also move at an angle not equal to 90° relative to the longitudinal axis 20 of the second connecting member 2. Therefore, the movement of the locking element 32 transversely to the longitudinal axis 20 of the second connecting member 2 should not be understood as a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In addition to the radial movement component, the locking element 32 may also have an axial movement component.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, pistons 31 having longitudinal axes 33 coaxial with each other are arranged in guide member 22. However, it is also conceivable and possible to arrange one or more locking elements 32 in a different manner, for example, not in pairs diagonally, but laterally offset relative to longitudinal axis 20 and / or having the same or opposite angles relative to longitudinal axis 20.

[0037] exist Figures 4 to 6The piston 31, with an integrated bolt-shaped locking element 32, is shown in different views. A clamping surface 34, designed as an inclined plane, is arranged at the free end of the bolt-shaped locking element 32 for abutting against the abutment surface 13 of the first connecting member 1. From... Figure 2 It can be seen that the clamping surface is inclined at an angle β of 30° relative to the longitudinal axis 33. The contact surface 13 corresponding to the clamping surface 34 also has an inclination of angle β. The piston 31 and the associated through hole 30 have a slightly non-circular cross-section, which prevents the piston 31 from twisting. This ensures that the clamping surface 34 is always in the correct position. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 31 and the associated through hole 30 have a slightly elliptical cross-section. On the side diagonally opposite to the clamping surface 34, there may be an additional clamping surface 35 at the free front end of the bolt-shaped locking element 32. This additional clamping surface 35 serves as a backup clamping surface and is used in cases where rotating the piston 31 180° may cause wear.

[0038] The working principle of the above device is described below:

[0039] For connection, the two connecting parts 1 and 2 are first aligned such that the longitudinal axis 20 of the second connecting part 2 and the central axis 3 of the first connecting part 1 are coaxially aligned. For example, the second connecting part 2, arranged on a crane boom or rotary drive, is also rotated about its longitudinal axis 20 such that the alignment element arranged on the second connecting part is aligned with the positioning element 18, which is designed as a longitudinal groove here. Then, the second connecting part 2 can be moved along the longitudinal axis 20 toward the first guide part 1 with the cylindrical guide part 22 engaged in the receiving opening 4 until the second connecting part 2 abuts against the support surface 11 of the first connecting part 1 with its lower support surface 27. Due to the tapered construction of the support surface 11 and the support surface 27, precise radial and axial alignment is achieved using the defined connection position. The shock-absorbing element 29 arranged on the lower side of the second connecting part 2 can attenuate or buffer the impact that may occur when the two connecting parts 1 and 2 are connected.

[0040] When the second connecting component 2 rests its lower support surface 27 on the support surface 11 of the first guide component 1, the two pistons 31 can be pulled from the support surface 11 by applying appropriate pressure. Figure 2 The positions shown move away from each other, causing the two locking elements 32 to move away from each other. Figure 2 The retraction release position shown moves radially outward. Figure 3 In the withdrawn holding position shown, the upper clamping surface 34 of the locking element 32 arranged in the second connecting member 2 abuts against the lower abutting surface 13 of the first connecting member 1. By designing the clamping surface 34 and the abutting surface 13 as inclined surfaces, an axial force is generated when the locking element 32 is withdrawn, and this axial force is used to pull the first connecting member 1 toward the second connecting member 2.

[0041] When the locking element 32 moves out to the holding position, such as Figure 3 As shown, the operating bolt 16, arranged in the first connecting member 1, is pressed radially outward, thereby also pressing the observation bolt 17 radially outward relative to the guide sleeve 15. This signals to the operator that the locking element 32 has been correctly removed and the connection process has been successfully completed.

[0042] To release the lock, appropriate pressure is applied to bring the two pistons 31 back together. This causes the locking element 32 to disengage from the recess 12 of the first connecting member 1 and move into the cylindrical guide member 22. This releases the connection between the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 2.

[0043] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0044] 1 First connecting component

[0045] 2 Second connecting component

[0046] 3. Central axis

[0047] 4. Reception opening

[0048] 5 Connecting components

[0049] 6 Lower Components

[0050] 7. Upper Components

[0051] 8 screws

[0052] 9. Drilling

[0053] 10 End face

[0054] 11 Support Surface

[0055] 12 recess

[0056] 13. Attach to the surface

[0057] 14 Horizontal holes

[0058] 15 Guide Sleeve

[0059] 16 Operating bolts

[0060] 17. Observe the bolts

[0061] 18 Positioning elements

[0062] 19. Coupling connector

[0063] 20. Longitudinal axis

[0064] 21 Upper Components

[0065] 22. Guiding components

[0066] 23 Cover piece

[0067] 24 Drilling

[0068] 25 Connectors

[0069] 26 Connectors

[0070] 27 Support surface

[0071] 28 Reception Department

[0072] 29. Vibration damping components

[0073] 30 Through Holes

[0074] 31 Piston

[0075] 32 Locking elements

[0076] 33 Piston longitudinal axis

[0077] 34 Clamping surface

[0078] 35. Other clamping surfaces

Claims

1. An apparatus for changing a work implement on a loading crane, the apparatus comprising a first connecting member (1) on the work implement side or the loading crane side and a second connecting member (2) on the loading crane side or the work implement side, the first connecting member having a receiving opening (4), and the second connecting member having a guide member (22) extending along a longitudinal axis (20) and capable of engaging with the receiving opening (4) of the first connecting member (1) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (20) due to movement of the first connecting member (1) and the second connecting member (2) together, wherein, The first connecting member (1) includes a support surface (11) for axially abutting against the second connecting member (2), the second connecting member (2) includes a support surface (27) corresponding to the support surface (11), and at least one locking element (32) movable transversely to the longitudinal axis (20) of the second connecting member (2) between a release position and a holding position by means of a driver, characterized in that the locking element (32) has a clamping surface (34) for forcefully abutting against the first connecting member (1), the first connecting member (1) includes a mating surface (13) corresponding to the clamping surface (34) for axially tightening the first connecting member (1) and the second connecting member (2) without gaps.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping surface (34) on the locking element (32) and the abutting surface (13) on the first connecting member (1) are designed as mutually corresponding bevels with corresponding angles.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support surface (11) on the first connecting component (1) and the corresponding support surface (27) on the second connecting component (2) are designed as conical surfaces.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mating design of the clamping surface (34) on the locking element (32) and the abutting surface (13) on the first connecting member (1) is used to self-lock the locking element (32) in the holding position.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting component (1) has a can-shaped base with a central axis (3) and a circular receiving opening (4) concentric with the central axis (3).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second connecting member (2) has a disc-shaped upper part (21) and a cylindrical guide part (22) extending along the longitudinal axis (20) for engaging in the receiving opening (4) of the first connecting member (1).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one positioning and alignment element is arranged on the guide part (22) of the second connecting part (2) and on the receiving opening (4) of the first connecting part (1) for angular positioning of the two connecting parts (1, 2).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Two radially opposed locking elements (32) are arranged on the second connecting component (2).

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A damping element (29) is arranged on the first or second connecting part (1, 2) to buffer the impact when the two connecting parts (1, 2) meet.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator for moving at least one locking element (32) is designed as a hydraulic actuator having a piston (31) that can move within a piston chamber.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The piston chamber is defined by a through hole (30) and two side covers (23) on the guide member (22).

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The through hole (30) and the piston (31) that can move axially in the through hole have non-circular cross-sections.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The locking element (32) is integrally formed with the piston (31).

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A visual indicator (15, 16, 17) for monitoring whether the lock is properly engaged is arranged on the first connecting part (1) or the second connecting part (2).

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