Quick connector with centering device

Abstract

This invention relates to a quick-connector for attaching a tool to the boom of a working device, comprising quick-connect components on the boom side and the tool side, the quick-connect components being lockable to each other via two spaced-apart locking shafts; and a power loop connection device for automatically connecting a power interface on the tool side to a power interface on the boom side, comprising power connection components on the boom side and the tool side, the power connection components moving toward each other on a circular track by common pivoting about a first locking shaft and thereby automatically connecting to each other. At least one of the power connection components is movably supported. The quick-connector has a centering device that holds the movable power connection component in a central position independent of its orientation and prevents movement without external force, and the centering device, in the case of automatic connection, enables movement of the movable power connection component based on external forces generated by the connection process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick coupler for attaching a tool to the boom of a work device according to the preamble of claim 1, and a work device having such a quick coupler. Background Technology

[0002] Pivot-type quick couplers are widely used in specific work equipment, such as hydraulic excavators, because they allow for simple and quick changes of various tools, such as hydraulic grapples, digging buckets, grippers, and similar devices. For coupling, only one of the two locking shafts of the quick coupler needs to be positioned and engaged first. Advantageously, this can be a lateral bolt, which is hooked into a hook-shaped hole on the opposite quick coupler component. The quick coupler component on the boom side can then be pivoted relative to the tool about the engaged locking shaft, thereby reaching a locking position in which the second locking shaft can be locked. The latter typically consists of a pair of locking bolts that can be laterally separated from each other and enter into corresponding locking holes on the opposite quick coupler components.

[0003] To establish a hydraulic connection, this type of quick-connector may have a power loop connection device (Energiekreiskupplung), or hydraulic connection device, wherein each quick-connect component has a corresponding power connection component that pivots together with the quick-connect components and is automatically guided together. To compensate for the circumferential movement of the power connection components relative to each other when the quick-connect components pivot about a first locking axis, it is known to movably support one of the two power connection components, typically the tool-side power connection component, for example, on an assembly consisting of a pressure spring. However, this often results in an inaccurate connection, which can lead to oil leakage.

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of known power loop coupling devices and prevent tilting of the interface connectors of the power coupling components, EP1239087A1 proposes a linear guide device for the power coupling components, which forces these components to move linearly relative to each other along a line, opposite to the circular pivoting motion. For this purpose, the linear guide device has guiding elements on the power coupling components on both the boom side and the tool side that act together in the case of coupling. These guiding elements can be configured as guide pins and guide holes that engage with each other before guiding the interface connectors together and induce precise linear relative movement.

[0005] However, this connection scheme only functions correctly when the movablely supported power coupling component is not deviated from a defined intermediate or central position, in which the guide elements of the linear guide device are flush and can be guided inwards without tilting. This makes it difficult, or even impossible, to use the quick coupler in applications where the freely movable power coupling component deflects away from the central position due to its own weight based on the installation location. If a hose is connected to the power coupling component, the internal stress of the hose will further exacerbate this deflection, thus worsening the problem.

[0006] An example of this problematic installation location is the use of this type of quick coupler in a wheel loader. Unlike the case of a hydraulic excavator, the tool-side power coupling is installed vertically, meaning the line connection of the power coupling via a linear guide is achieved along a substantially horizontal line. Due to its own weight, the movable power coupling pivots away from its central position, causing the guide element, or guide pin and guide hole, to no longer be flush with each other. This deflection of the movable power coupling makes coupling the guide element difficult or even impossible. Therefore, forcibly performing the connection to overcome the deviation can lead to increased wear or damage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and enable the use of this type of quick coupler regardless of the installation location and condition of the power connection component.

[0008] According to the invention, this task is accomplished by a quick coupler having the features of claim 1. Therefore, the quick coupler according to the invention, provided for connecting a tool to the boom of a working device, particularly a wheel loader, comprises quick-connect components on the boom side and the tool side, and a power loop connection device for automatically connecting the power interface on the tool side to the power interface on the boom side. The quick-connect components are reversibly lockable to each other via a pair of spaced-apart locking shafts.

[0009] The power loop coupling device includes a power coupling component on the boom side and a power coupling component on the tool side. The power coupling components are arranged on the two quick-connect components such that they move toward each other on a circular track around the first locking axis due to the common pivoting of the two quick-connect components about the first locking axis of the two locking axes, and thereby automatically connect to each other. At least one of the two power coupling components (hereinafter referred to as the "movable power coupling component") is pivotally supported about an axis parallel to the first locking axis and movably or relocatably supported perpendicularly to it.

[0010] Furthermore, the power loop coupling device includes a linear guide configured to compensate for the relative motion of the two power coupling components along a circular track when the quick-connecting components pivot together, in conjunction with the movable support of the movable power coupling components, and to guide the two power coupling components linearly, i.e., along a line relative to each other when connected.

[0011] According to the invention, the quick-connector additionally includes a centering device by means of which the movable power connection member can be held in a central position regardless of its spatial orientation or direction and can prevent movement of the movable power connection member relative to the quick-connect member fixed thereto without external force. According to the invention, the centering device is configured to enable movement of the movable power connection member relative to the quick-connect member fixed thereto based on external forces generated during the connection process in the event of automatic connection with another power connection member.

[0012] In this invention, any force not generated by the weight of the movable power coupling component or permanently acting on it based on the support / fixation / connection to the movable power coupling component via cables, hoses, etc., is referred to as an "external force". In particular, external force in this invention refers to the force generated by the connection to another power coupling component and acting on the movable power coupling component when guiding two quick-connect components together.

[0013] The centering device according to the invention ensures that the movable power coupling component will not move from its central position for smooth connection due to its own weight, the connection of a hose or similar component, specifically regardless of the installation position or spatial orientation of the movable power coupling component. Thus, for example, it is possible to mount the movable power coupling component vertically on the quick-connect component of a wheel loader shovel without causing it to fold downwards due to gravity, making the power coupling component difficult or impossible to connect.

[0014] Of course, the mobility of the movable power coupling component should be kept within certain limits during the coupling process, as described in more detail in EP1239087A1, so that compensation for circular motion can still be achieved by means of a linear guide device. However, this mobility should only exist during the coupling process with another power coupling component. For this reason, the present invention specifies that the centering device is configured to enable the movement (within certain limits) of the movable power coupling component only when an external force, in the sense defined above, i.e., a force generated in particular when the movable power coupling component is in contact with another power coupling component during the coupling process, acts on the movable power coupling component.

[0015] This allows the quick-connector according to the invention to be used in any installation position and independently of the connection to other components, such as hoses, significantly expanding the possibilities of application. However, the invention opens up additional application possibilities not only in installation positions different from those on conventional hydraulic excavators. Advantageously, the quick-connector according to the invention, with its centering device, can also be applied to hydraulic excavators, including installation positions where weight is not a problem, particularly in the case of hose arrangements where the inherent stress or prestress of the hoses causes tilting of the movable power connection component.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0017] The quick connector according to the invention is preferably the quick connector according to EP1239087A1, which additionally has a centering device according to the invention. The disclosure of EP1239087A1 is explicitly contained in the teachings of the invention. In particular, the quick connector according to the invention can be constructed according to any of the advantageous embodiments described in EP1239087A1, or according to any combination of the embodiments disclosed therein. Therefore, the embodiments described in EP1239087A1 are also possible embodiments of the quick connector according to the invention.

[0018] Therefore, the quick-connector according to the invention can be, for example, a quick-connector for connecting a tool to the boom of a hydraulic excavator and similar equipment, having a quick-connect component on the boom side and a quick-connect component on the tool side, which are lockable to each other via a pair of spaced-apart locking shafts such that, after only the first locking shaft of the two locking shafts is locked, the two quick-connect components can pivot together about the first locking shaft and then the second locking shaft can be locked; and has a power loop connection device, especially a hydraulic connection device, for automatically connecting a power interface on the tool side to a power interface on the boom side, wherein the power loop connection device has a power connection component on the boom side and a power connection component on the tool side, which are spaced apart from the first locking shaft on the quick-connect component on the boom side or the quick-connect component on the tool side such that they move together on a circular track about the first locking shaft due to the common pivoting of the two quick-connect components about the first locking shaft and thus automatically connect to each other, wherein at least one of the two power connection components is tiltable and perpendicular about an axis parallel to the first locking shaft. The device is movably supported on a first locking shaft and equipped with a linear guide device, independent of the power interface, consisting of a pair of guide pins and matching guide holes. The guide pins enter the guide holes when the two power coupling components move together. This linear guide device, in conjunction with the movable support, compensates for the pivoting motion of the two power coupling components when they pivot together on a circular track around the first locking shaft, and forces the two power coupling components to move precisely linearly relative to each other when connected. The quick-connector is characterized by a centering device by which the movably supported power coupling component can be held in a central position regardless of its orientation and prevents movement of the movably supported power coupling component relative to the quick-connect component fixed thereto without external force. The centering device is configured to allow movement of the movably supported power coupling component relative to the quick-connect component fixed thereto based on external forces generated during the connection process when automatically connected to another power coupling component.

[0019] In one embodiment, the centering device includes at least one centering element that is fixedly or immovably supported on the quick-connect member and holds the movable power connection member in a force-locked and / or form-locked position in a central position without external force. With the aid of the centering element, the fixation of the movable power connection member can be achieved not only in a form-locked manner but also in a force-locked manner, for example, in a form-locked direction in a specific direction and in a force-locked direction in other directions.

[0020] In another embodiment, the movable power coupling component is supported on a quick-connect component via a spring device, particularly an assembly of one or more pressure springs. This spring device presses the movable power coupling component against a centering element, thereby holding it in a centered position or (especially immediately after the external force causing the movable power coupling component to deflect disappears) back into the centered position. The spring device generates a clamping force acting on the centering element, which holds the movable power coupling component in the correct position, i.e., the spring device is pre-tensioned in the centered position. The spring force, or clamping force, must be large enough that the movable power coupling component will not move away from the centered position at any possible installation location due to its own weight or the inherent stress of the connecting hose. Simultaneously, the spring force must be small enough to allow deflection of the movable power coupling component when connected to another power coupling component, when inserted into a linear guide component, and when linearly guided together. In other words, the centered movable power coupling component must have a certain degree of mobility under external forces exceeding its own weight / hose stress, etc.

[0021] In another embodiment, the centering device has at least one retaining element disposed on the movable power coupling member, configured to engage with the at least one centering element in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. That is, the at least one retaining element is movably supported on the quick-connect member together with the movable power coupling member and is pressed against the at least one centering element, particularly by a spring mechanism.

[0022] In another embodiment, the retaining element includes a notch, into which the centering element is at least partially received or inserted at its center. The retaining element itself may be a notch or may include additional components.

[0023] In another embodiment, the notch has at least one beveled portion and / or rounded portion, which interacts with at least one beveled portion and / or rounded portion of the centering element. The beveled / rounded portions of the centering device elements working together ensure a certain degree of mobility of the movable power connection component required for the connection process.

[0024] In another embodiment, the notch is configured in a funnel shape in at least one direction, wherein the centering element is obliquely cut and / or rounded, and preferably bolt-shaped, in at least the same direction. That is, the notch can be obliquely cut and / or rounded in at least one direction, so that it presents a funnel shape in the corresponding cross-sectional view. Thus, the centering element, which is partially located within the notch in its central position, can move along the oblique portion under the application of an external force, thereby enabling movement of the movable power coupling component in the case of connection. Here, the bolt-shaped shape of the centering element (towards the funnel-shaped construction) is advantageous.

[0025] The funnel-shaped structure and preferably the bolt-shaped rounded portion should be constructed at least in a plane perpendicular to the axis around which the movable power coupling component pivots during the connection process. This axis is preferably perpendicular to the line along which the linear common guidance of the power coupling component, facilitated by the linear guide device, is achieved. Furthermore, the beveled portion may have an angle of 20° to 0°, particularly 25° to 45°.

[0026] In another embodiment, the notch is specified to have, in particular, a continuous gap. That is, the continuous gap is open, passing through the member of the movable power coupling in which the notch is constructed. Preferably, the gap is smaller than the centering element. The gap functions by creating an opening within the gap so that deposits or dirt cannot accumulate inside the notch, which could hinder the correct positioning of the centering element. Accumulated material exits from the notch through the gap or is squeezed into the gap by the centering element. The gap can be, for example, a hole or a groove and is preferably located at the lowest point or bottom of the notch. Additionally or alternatively, the centering element may also have a gap on the side facing the notch, which can squeeze dirt accumulated in the notch into the gap so as not to clog the notch. The notch may also be continuous.

[0027] In another embodiment, the movable power coupling member is supported on a quick coupling member fixed thereto by two spaced-apart support elements, preferably positioned between the support elements, each of which has a centering element. The support elements can be plate-shaped and extend substantially vertically from the quick coupling member. The movable power coupling member can be supported on the support elements via spring supports. The support elements are particularly rigidly connected to the quick coupling member and partially surround the movable power coupling member.

[0028] In another embodiment, the centering element is bolt-shaped and interacts with the retaining element as described above. The retaining element is preferably constructed on or within a support block of the movable power coupling component, which extends substantially between and perpendicular to the support elements. The support block may have one or more connectors that form the power interface of the movable power coupling component. When a notch serves as the retaining element, the notch is constructed on the upper side of the support block opposite to the quick-connect component, particularly on the edge or side adjacent to the support element. This configuration is particularly easy to implement because it only requires laterally inserting the notch constituting the retaining element into the upper side of the support block (e.g., by milling and / or drilling) and mounting the bolt-shaped centering element at the corresponding location, or at a corresponding distance from the quick-connect component, on (e.g., screwing it onto) the inner surface of the support element.

[0029] In another embodiment, the pin-shaped centering element is configured in a conical shape and secured to the support element via a narrower end. The tapered, chamfered / rounded portion of the centering element allows deposits or dirt that may have accumulated in the notch to be expelled, enabling proper positioning of the centering element within the notch. Preferably, the notch is open towards the support block, allowing dirt / deposits to be expelled from the notch by the conical shape of the centering element.

[0030] In another embodiment, at least four centering elements and at least four retaining elements are provided, wherein each of the support elements has at least two centering elements. Of the at least two centering elements disposed on each side, preferably one is connected to the support element via a fixed support and the other via a movable support, thus forming a fixed-moving assembly. That is, the centering element connected via the movable support is not rigidly fixed to the support element but is movably supported, such that there is a certain relative mobility between the two centering elements. Thus, each support element can use more than one centering element, which improves the stability of centering while still ensuring the movable power connection component has the limited mobility required for the connection process. Furthermore, it is conceivable that one or more centering elements are rotatably supported on the support element.

[0031] In another embodiment, the power interface of the movable power coupling component is provided on the side of the support block opposite to the quick-connect component, and is configured such that, when connected to another power coupling component, it automatically establishes a connection with another power interface provided thereon to establish a power loop connection. The power interface may include one or more connectors capable of sliding together or connecting with corresponding connectors of another power coupling component and causing a corresponding power connection (e.g., a hydraulic fluid connection). The connectors extend vertically from the support block and may be known as female and male connectors. In this sense, the support block may also be referred to as a coupling block.

[0032] In another embodiment, the movable power coupling is disposed on the quick-connect component of the tool, particularly on the tool side of a wheel loader shovel, and preferably oriented such that the connection of the power coupling facilitated by the linear guide is achieved along a substantially horizontal line. That is, the movable power coupling is rotated approximately 90° relative to its common mounting position on hydraulic excavators. Without the centering device according to the invention, the movable power coupling may tilt from the central position required for a smooth connection process due to its own weight, hose stress, and the movable support.

[0033] Preferably, the linear guide device includes at least two guide pins on one power coupling member and a matching guide hole on another power coupling member, the guide pins entering the guide hole when both power coupling members move together. Here, they force a spring device to deflect to compensate for the pivoting movement of the member. The guide pins are rigidly connected to a support block and protrude vertically through it toward the opposite power coupling member. Preferably, each guide pin is constructed in a generally cylindrical shape and has a rounded head that prevents tilting when inserted into the guide pin. Furthermore, it can be specified that a retaining element / recess in the support block is arranged flush with or aligned with the guide pin / guide hole of the linear guide device.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a work device, particularly a wheel loader, having a quick coupling according to the invention. The same advantages and characteristics as those of the quick coupling according to the invention are obviously obtained here, and therefore will not be repeated here. The embodiments described above regarding feasible construction schemes of the quick coupling according to the invention are therefore also applicable accordingly. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0036] Figure 1 An embodiment of a movable power coupling component of a quick coupling according to the present invention is shown in perspective view;

[0037] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the method for determining the method based on Figure 1 The power connection component is fixed to two support elements on the quick-connect component;

[0038] Figure 3 Shown from top view according to Figure 1 Fixed in accordance with Figure 2 The power connection component on the support element;

[0039] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 A front sectional view of the device taken along line AA;

[0040] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 3 A side sectional view of the device taken along line BB; and

[0041] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of the movable power coupling component of the quick coupling according to the invention is shown in a schematic side view. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the quick connector according to the invention discussed below are basically based on the quick connector of EP1239087A1, with the addition of a centering device, which will be described in detail below. The elements and characteristics of the quick connector according to the invention not described in detail below preferably correspond to one of the embodiments disclosed in EP1239087A1.

[0043] The quick-connector according to the invention includes quick-connect components on the boom side and the tool side, which are reversibly lockable to each other via a pair of spaced-apart, parallel locking shafts. The quick-connector has a power loop connection device comprising a tool-side power connection component fixed to the tool-side quick-connect component and a boom-side power connection component fixed to the boom-side quick-connect component. The tool-side power connection component is movably supported on the quick-connect component via a spring device 16 and is hereinafter referred to as the movable power connection component 10. Another power connection component fixed to the boom-side quick-connect component is immovably supported in this embodiment, but this is not mandatory. Therefore, in one embodiment, this other power connection component may also be movably supported.

[0044] Each power connection component has a power interface 12, which includes multiple connectors 13, each mounted on and protruding vertically from the support block 18. The power loop is connected, or coupled, via the power interfaces 12 or the corresponding connectors 13, particularly for closing the hydraulic connection used to supply hydraulic oil to hydraulic tools. Here, for example, it could be a wheeled loader shovel with hydraulic components.

[0045] Furthermore, each power coupling component has a linear guide 14 that forces the power coupling component to move relative to each other along a line, or straight line, opposite to the pivoting motion around one of the two locking axes in a ring-shaped track. In this embodiment, the linear guide includes two parallel guide pins 14 (the guide pins 14 are disposed on the support block 18 of the movable power coupling component 10 and protrude vertically therefrom) and a corresponding guide hole on the other power guiding component, the guide pins 14 moving into the guide holes when engaged and forcing them to perform a linear coupling movement before the couplings 13 are engaged with each other.

[0046] Further details, characteristics, and advantages of other construction schemes for quick-connect components, power-connect components, linear guide devices, and quick-connectors can be found in EP1 239 087 A1. Hereinafter, only the movable power-connect component 10, its support on the quick-connect component, and the centering device according to the invention will be discussed.

[0047] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the movable power coupling component 10 of the quick coupling according to the invention, wherein the quick coupling component to which it is fixed is hidden for clarity.

[0048] The movable power coupling component 10 includes a generally plate-shaped support block 18, which is movably supported on a quick-connect component on a spring assembly 16 comprising four compression springs. A plurality of connectors 13 and two guide pins 14 of a linear guide device are provided on the support block 18, the guide pins protruding parallel to the surface of the support block 18 opposite to the spring assembly 16. Furthermore, two pressure rods 17 are provided on the side of the spring assembly 16, the function of which is described in EP1239087A1.

[0049] A movable power coupling component 10 is supported on two lateral support elements 30, which are rigidly connected to a quick-connect component. Each support element 30 is... Figure 2As shown in the perspective view. They are plate-like in construction, each different in shape and oriented parallel to each other. The support elements 30 are spaced apart from each other, such that a support block 18 is supported between them, which is mounted on two fasteners 32 via spring devices 16, the fasteners being constructed or mounted on the inside of the support elements 30. A pressure rod 17 is also mounted on the fasteners 32.

[0050] The support block 18 and the components disposed thereon are axially symmetrical. In a top view, it has a generally rectangular shape and extends generally vertically between the support elements 30. The shorter side of the support block 18 rests against the support element 30.

[0051] According to the invention, a centering element 20 is mounted (in this embodiment, via a screw connection) on the inner side of each support element 30. Furthermore, the support block 18 has two recesses 24 in its lateral edge region, which constitute retaining elements 22. These retaining elements interact with the centering elements 20 and together form the centering device according to the invention. The centering element 20 is rigidly connected to the quick-connect component via the support element 30, while the retaining elements 22 are movably supported based on the elastic support of the support block 18 and are movable relative to the centering element 20.

[0052] Figure 3 A top view shows a movable power coupling component 10, including a support element 30, mounted on the support element 30. A cross-sectional view along line AA is also shown. Figure 4 The side sectional view shown in the figure and along line BB is in Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0053] The centering element 20 is fixed to the support element 30 at a distance from the fixing element 32 such that the support block 18 is pressed against the centering element 20 by the spring device 16. This clamping force holds the support block 18, or the movable power coupling component 10, in a defined position, referred to in this invention as the "center position." In this center position, it is possible to correctly and without tilt insert the guide pin 14 into the corresponding guide hole of another power coupling component (not shown) during connection. If the support block 18 is not oriented substantially horizontally (e.g., as in EP1239087A1), but has other, especially vertical, mounting positions, the clamping force also holds the movable power coupling component 10 in the center position. Here, the clamping force is designed such that the movable power coupling component 10, in any mounting position, will not move out of the center position due to its own weight and / or the stiffness / inherent stress of the hose (not shown) connected to it via the hose interface 11. Therefore, the quick coupler according to the invention is particularly suitable for use on wheel loader shovels.

[0054] Despite the clamping force generated by the spring device 16, to ensure a certain degree of mobility in the support block 18 (necessary to compensate for circumferential motion during connection by means of the linear guide device 14), the notch 24 is funnel-shaped and the centering element 20 is configured as a circular bolt. The notch 24 has a rectangular shape, or groove shape, in top view and tapers towards the center along the short side of the support block 18. The bevel has an angle of approximately 30°, although other angles are also possible. At the center of each notch 24, the bevel transitions into a rectangle and passes through the gap 26 of the entire support block 18, which merges into the bottom side of the support block 18. Furthermore, the notch 24 opens laterally on the short side of the support block 18, i.e., towards the support element 30.

[0055] The centering elements 20 are configured as tapered bolts with a circular cross-section, which are fixed to the support element 30 via their short sides. In the central position, the centering elements 20 are partially received in the recess 24 (see [reference]). Figure 4 and Figure 5 Through the beveled portion, based on the external forces generated during the connection process, movement of the support block 18 relative to the centering element 20, particularly pivoting or tilting and / or displacement about a pivot axis parallel to the first locking axis, is possible. Thus, the support block 18, or the movable power connection component 10, is held in a centrally located position by the centering element 20 in a form-locked manner along the connection line defined by the linear guide device 14 and force-locked in a direction perpendicular to it.

[0056] The clamping force generated by the spring device 16 is adjusted in such a way that the mobility of the support block 18 is ensured in the event of external forces generated during the connection process. If the support block 18 deflects away from the center position due to such external forces and the external forces disappear, the movable power connection component 10 is moved back to or pressed back to the center position by the spring device 16.

[0057] As in Figure 5 As can be seen, the pressure springs of the spring assembly 16 are subjected to unequal compression at the center position and are not oriented parallel to each other. Furthermore, the centering element 20 is not centrally located on the support block 18, but rather slightly offset laterally, specifically on the line connecting the guide pin 14. However, other arrangements of the centering element 20 are also possible, such as an arrangement where the centering element is not flush with the guide pin 14.

[0058] The gap 26 in the notch 24 prevents dirt or deposits from accumulating in and potentially clogging the notch, which could prevent accurate positioning of the movable power coupling 10. Deposits are forced into the gap 26 by the centering element 20 and thus expelled from the notch 24. Furthermore, the tapered shape of the centering element 20 ensures that dirt or deposits are expelled laterally outward from the notch 24. Thus, the notch 24 remains free of contaminants, ensuring accurate positioning in the center.

[0059] Figure 6 A side view, taken from the short side of the support block 18, shows another embodiment of the movable power coupling member 10 of the quick coupling according to the invention. Here, instead of a single centering element 20, two centering elements 20 are provided for each support element 30. Accordingly, the support block 18 has two funnel-shaped recesses 24 on each short side. The two centering elements 20 of each support element 30 constitute a fixed-moving assembly, wherein one of the centering elements 20 is connected to the quick coupling member, or support element 30, via a fixed support and the other centering element via a movable support. It is thus possible to provide more than one centering element 20 for each support element 30, which improves the self-stability of the movable power coupling member 10 in the central position, but still allows a certain degree of mobility of the support block 18 for connection with another power coupling member. It is also possible to use more than two centering elements 20 on each side / each support element 30. It is also possible to specify that one or more centering elements 20 are rotatably supported on these support elements 30.

[0060] List of reference numerals

[0061] 10 Movable power connection components

[0062] 11. Hose connector

[0063] 12 Power Interface

[0064] 13 Connectors

[0065] 14 Linear guide device / guide pin

[0066] 16. Spring device

[0067] 17 Compression bar

[0068] 18 Support blocks

[0069] 20 centering elements

[0070] 22 Holding element

[0071] 24 Notch

[0072] 26. Gap

[0073] 30 Support components

[0074] 32. Fasteners.

Claims

1. A quick coupler (10) for attaching a tool to the boom of a working device, the quick coupler comprising: - Quick-connect components on the boom side and quick-connect components on the tool side; as well as - A power loop connection device for automatically connecting the power interface on the tool side to the power interface on the boom side. -The quick-connect components are reversibly lockable to each other via a pair of spaced-apart locking shafts. -The power loop connection device includes a power connection component on the boom side and a power connection component on the tool side. The power connection components are arranged on the quick-connect component such that, through the common pivoting of the two quick-connect components about a first locking axis, the power connection components move toward each other on a circular track about the first locking axis and thereby automatically connect to each other. -In this embodiment, at least one movable power coupling component (12) is pivotally supported about an axis parallel to the first locking axis and movably supported perpendicular to the axis, and -The power loop connection device includes a linear guide (14) configured to compensate for the relative movement of the two power connection components along a circular track during the common pivot of the quick-connect component, in conjunction with the movable support of the movable power connection component (12), and to guide the two power connection components linearly relative to each other during the connection. Its features are, - A centering device, wherein the movable power coupling member (12) is able to be held in a central position independently of the orientation of the power coupling member by means of the centering device, and the centering device is able to prevent the movable power coupling member (12) from moving relative to the quick coupling member fixed thereto without external force. -The centering device is configured to enable the movable power connection member (12) to move relative to the fast connection member fixed thereto, based on the external force generated by the connection process, when automatically connected to another power connection member.

2. The quick connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering device includes at least one centering element (20) which is securely supported on the quick-connect component and holds the movable power connection component (12) in a force-locked and / or shape-locked position without external force.

3. The quick connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable power coupling component (12) is supported on the quick coupling component via a spring device (16) that presses the movable power coupling component (12) against the centering element and thereby holds it in the center position or moves it to the center position.

4. The quick connector (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The centering device includes at least one retaining element (22) disposed on the movable power coupling member (12), the at least one retaining element being configured to cooperate with the at least one centering element (20) in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner.

5. The quick connector (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The retaining element (22) includes a notch (24), into which the centering element (20) is at least partially received in a central position.

6. The quick connector (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The notch (24) includes at least one beveled portion and / or rounded portion, which works together with at least one beveled portion and / or rounded portion of the centering element (20).

7. The quick connector (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The notch (24) is funnel-shaped in at least one direction, wherein the centering element (20) is inclined and / or rounded in at least the same direction.

8. The quick connector (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The notch (24) has a gap (26).

9. The quick connector (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The movable power coupling component (12) is supported on the quick coupling component fixed thereon via two spaced-apart support elements (30), wherein each of the support elements (30) includes a centering element (20).

10. The quick connector (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The centering element (20) is configured as a bolt and works in conjunction with the retaining element (22) according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

11. The quick connector (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bolt-shaped centering element (20) is tapered and fixed to the support element (30) via a narrower end.

12. The quick connector (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The support element (30) is provided with at least four centering elements (20) and at least four retaining elements (22), wherein each of the support elements (30) includes two centering elements (20).

13. The quick connector (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The power interface (11) of the movable power connection component (12) on the movable support is provided on the side of the support block (18) opposite to the quick-connect component, and is configured such that when connected to another power connection component, coupling with another power interface provided thereon is automatically established to establish a power loop connection.

14. The quick connector (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The movable power connection component (12) is disposed on the quick-connect component of the tool.

15. The quick connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating equipment is a wheel loader.

16. The quick connector (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spring assembly (16) is a combination of multiple pressure springs.

17. The quick connector (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The centering element (20) is configured as a bolt.

18. The quick connector (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The notch (24) has a continuous gap (26).

19. The quick connector (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The movable power coupling component (12) is supported on the quick coupling component fixed thereto via two spaced-apart support elements (30) and is disposed between the support elements (30).

20. The quick connector (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The retaining element (22) is formed on or in the support block (18) of the movable power connection member (12), the support block being substantially between the support elements (30) and extending perpendicularly to the support elements.

21. The quick connector (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, One of the centering elements is connected to the support element (30) via a fixed support and the other centering element is connected to the support element (30) via a movable support, such that every two centering elements (20) constitute a fixed-moving assembly.

22. The quick connector (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The movable power connection component (12) is mounted on the quick-connect component of the wheel loader shovel.

23. The quick connector (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The movable power coupling component (12) is oriented such that the connection of the power coupling component facilitated by the linear guide device (14) is achieved along a substantially horizontal line.

24. A working device comprising a quick coupler (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The operating equipment according to claim 24, characterized in that, The operating equipment is a wheel loader.

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