Coupler for securing an attachment to an earthmoving machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupler for securing an attachment to an earthmoving machine. The coupler includes a coupler body presenting a socket having a capture region. A pin of an attachment can be moved into and out of the capture region. A retainer can capture the pin in the capture region, but the retainer can be moved by a hydraulically driven driver to a position that allows the pin to be released from the capture region. A trigger that the pin will strike when the pin is moved into or out of the capture region decouples the driver from the retainer, and then allows the retainer to be biased back to its retaining position by a spring.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of PCT international invention patent application No. 202180017144.6, filed on January 28, 2021, entitled "Quick Connector". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a quick-connector for earthmoving machinery. More precisely, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a quick-connector having a trigger mechanism to reset a retaining member for an attachment. In particular, this invention provides a connector for securing attachments to earthmoving machinery. Background Technology

[0003] Quick-connect couplings are used to quickly engage or disengage attachments, such as buckets, from an excavator. Quick-connect couplings can be attached to the end of the excavator boom. They allow the machine operator to engage and disengage attachments without having to move from the excavator's cab or operating position. The operator can connect attachments located on the ground by manipulating the excavator boom to engage the attachment. No other assistance is required to manipulate the attachment to achieve the connection, thus enabling "quick" engagement.

[0004] NZ546893 describes a type of quick coupler for attaching attachments, such as buckets, to excavators. From NZ546893 and... Figure 1A -B and Figure 2 As can be seen, the attachment typically has two parallel pins, P1 and P2, which are spaced apart and each pin can be releasably held at its corresponding socket on the quick coupler. The front pin P1 is held closer to the excavator, and the rear pin P2 is held further away. The quick coupler needs to be able to securely hold its attachment. The attachment may be heavy and bear a large load. An error in establishing a secure connection could lead to fatal accidents or damage. However, it is also necessary to use the quick coupler to quickly connect and disconnect the attachment to help improve productivity. Therefore, there is a contradiction between secure connection and quick connection. As seen in Figure 1, pin P1 can be received at socket R1 and pin P2 can be received at socket R2. At socket R1, a safety retainer 6 is provided, which can hold pin P1 at socket R1. At socket R2, a wedge 3 is provided, which can move to hold pin P2 at socket R2.

[0005] Excavators are traditionally equipped with hydraulic delivery and return lines, as well as a hydraulic 4 / 2 valve, for servicing the hydraulic components at the boom end. This can be achieved by using a hydraulic plunger of a quick coupler to actuate both the retainer 6 and the wedge 3 to engage and / or disengage one or both pins. In NZ546893, two hydraulic plungers are used: one for the retainer and one for the wedge.

[0006] exist Figures 2 to 6 Examples of how attachments can be disassembled from quick couplers of the type described in NZ546893. Figure 2 An excavator 5 is shown, with its attachment fixed to the end of the boom 7. The attachment can be placed on a surface, such as the ground, to reduce the load on the connector. Figure 3 A connector with a retaining pin is shown. Figure 4 The diagram shows the retraction of both the retainer 6 and the wedge 3. This can occur by the operator triggering the establishment of hydraulic pressure on the appropriate hydraulic circuit to actuate the hydraulic plungers in both the retainer and the wedge. The two hydraulic plungers then move the retainer and the wedge to the released state, respectively. Figure 5 This demonstrates how the operator can move the accessory connector away from the device, allowing pins P1 and P2 to retract from their respective sockets R1 and R2. After a set time period during which the wedge and retainer are in the released state, the timer system can trigger the actuation of retainer 6, causing it to move as shown. Figure 6 The position shown is the holding position.

[0007] Figures 7 to 10 This demonstrates how the accessory can be attached to a quick connector of the type described in NZ546893. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Show wedge 3 retracted. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram shows pin P1 entering socket R1 and retainer 6 being moved to allow entry. The retainer is spring-biased and pivots to allow pin P1 to receive in socket R1. Once pin P1 has moved sufficiently far into socket R1, retainer 3 is spring-loaded to return it to its holding position. Once pin P1 has moved sufficiently far into socket R1, the retainer will snap into its holding position under the influence of the spring. This snap-fit ​​retention means that the retainer can be moved to its holding position without operator input during attachment. Pin P1 only needs to be moved deep enough into socket R1. Figure 9 The operator has initiated the accumulation of hydraulic pressure to extend the wedge and hold pin P2 at socket R2. A quick clicking test is then performed to ensure the accessory is securely attached to the connector.

[0008] For safety reasons, Figures 2 to 10 The fast connector can perform hold operation on a timer system. After the set time period from releasing the hold, in order to... Figure 6The release pin P1 shown resets the retainer back to its held position. This means resetting the retainer to a held state that can hold pin P1. This can be achieved by electric and hydraulic components resetting the retainer back to the held position. A preset time is involved between actuating the retainer to move it to its released state before it can return to its held state. This gives the operator sufficient time to remove pin P1 from socket R1. An alarm may sound when retainer 6 is raised, so the operator knows that pin P1 can be removed from socket R1. The time delay could be 10 seconds. This may be too long and time-consuming.

[0009] The timer utilizing the quick-connect coupling can be damaged by users unfamiliar with the system. The operator can control the hydraulic plunger to release the second pin P2 and, essentially simultaneously, the retainer, thus holding the first pin P1 in place for a set time period. If the operator fails to remove the accessory from the quick-connect coupling within the set time period, the retainer will reset to the holding position. Because the operator may not realize that the retainer has returned to the holding position and pin P1 is still engaged, they may attempt to remove the accessory, thereby damaging the retainer.

[0010] Figures 2 to 10 The quick-connector uses hydraulic plungers to drive the wedge and a separate hydraulic plunger to retract the retainer. This means that a conventional 4 / 2 valve is insufficient to control both hydraulic plungers and maintain timeout functionality. The excavator would need to be retrofitted with a non-OEM hydraulic valve to allow operation of both plungers, or to allow operation of an additional pair of hydraulic lines. This would increase costs.

[0011] Known quick couplers may also require the attachment to be fully pushed toward the excavator to allow for its removal. This can be problematic for some attachments whose center of gravity is far from the quick coupler attachment area (e.g., circuit breaker bars). Circuit breaker bars can also be stored vertically in a bracket for transport. Problems can arise when the circuit breaker bar is pushed toward the excavator for separation, and then needs to be loaded into the vertical bracket position. Handling separated or partially separated attachments may be unsafe.

[0012] Therefore, a preferred objective of the present invention is to provide a connector and / or an earthmoving machine incorporating a connector that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages, and / or to provide the public with a useful option. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In this specification, references have been made to external sources, including patent specifications and other documents, typically for the purpose of providing background for discussing the features of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, references to such sources should not be construed as an admission that such sources are prior art or part of common general knowledge in the art.

[0014] For the purposes of this specification, when method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are ordered chronologically, unless there is no other logical way to interpret the sequence.

[0015] Therefore, in a first aspect, the invention can be described as a connector for securing an attachment to an earthmoving machine, the connector comprising a connector body presenting a socket, the socket including an opening through which a pin of the attachment can pass to move through a channel of the socket to a restricted area of ​​the socket, the channel of the socket being capable of being blocked sufficiently to prevent the pin from moving out of the restricted area by a retainer, the retainer being movably presented from the connector body and biased relative to the connector body to a first position where the channel is blocked, at the first position the retainer prevents the pin from moving out of the restricted area and the retainer being movable to a second position relative to the channel to allow: (i) By forcing the pin against the retainer to resist its biased movement toward the second position, the pin enters the restricted area; and (ii) The pin is disengaged from the restricted area by a drive capable of moving relative to the connector body to (a) engage with the retainer, allowing the retainer to be moved by the drive to its second position, and to (b) disengage from the retainer, thereby preventing the drive from controlling the retainer position between its first and second positions. The connector further includes a trigger that is movable relative to the connector body in an engaged manner and is movable by the pin as the pin moves through the channel, such that the trigger can disengage the driver from the retainer when it is moved by the pin.

[0016] In one embodiment, the trigger can disconnect the coupled retainer and driver, allowing the retainer to move to its first position under the influence of a bias even when it is not in its first position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the trigger can move the coupled retainer and driver relative to each other to disengage them, such that the driver does not prevent the retainer from moving to its first position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the driver is capable of moving between a connected state and a disconnected state via a driver actuator.

[0019] In one embodiment, the retainer is mounted to move in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the body about the retainer's rotation axis.

[0020] In one embodiment, the connector body can be fixed or attached to earthmoving machinery.

[0021] In one embodiment, the driver is coupled to a driver actuator to enable the driver to move in a manner that allows the retainer to move.

[0022] In one embodiment, when actuated, the driver actuator is capable of moving the driver in the actuation direction to move the retainer to its second position or toward its second position when the driver is coupled to the retainer.

[0023] In one embodiment, when released, the driver actuator will allow the driver to move in the release actuation direction opposite to the actuation direction, so as to allow the retainer to move to or toward its first position when coupled to the retainer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the trigger is translational.

[0025] In one embodiment, the trigger is mounted relative to the body to translate in a trigger direction relative to the body and orthogonal to the rotation axis of the retainer.

[0026] In one embodiment, the trigger direction is orthogonal to the de-actuation direction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the driver is mounted on the trigger to be slidably translated relative to the trigger in the actuation / de-actuation direction for moving the retainer between a first retainer position and a second retainer position.

[0028] In one embodiment, the driver is configured to move only relative to the trigger in the actuation / de-actuation direction.

[0029] In one embodiment, the driver is carried by a trigger.

[0030] In one embodiment, the driver has an adjacency and / or sliding engagement with the driver actuator.

[0031] In one embodiment, the driver is biased in the de-actuation direction.

[0032] In one embodiment, the driver is configured to move laterally between a first driver position, a second driver position, and a third driver position, wherein in the first driver position, the driver is engaged with the retainer when the retainer is in the retainer first position, in the second driver position, the driver is engaged with the retainer when the retainer is in the retainer second position, and in the third driver position, the driver is disengaged from the retainer.

[0033] In one embodiment, the driver is kept in contact with the driver actuator via a bias.

[0034] In one embodiment, the bias is a spring bias.

[0035] In one embodiment, the drive is kept in contact with the drive actuator via a spring.

[0036] In one embodiment, the driver is configured to lose contact with or disconnect from the driver actuator.

[0037] In one embodiment, in the third position of the driver, the driver is disconnected from the driver actuator.

[0038] In one embodiment, when the driver is disconnected from the retainer, the driver will also be disconnected from the driver actuator.

[0039] In one embodiment, when the driver is disconnected from the driver actuator, the driver will be reverse biased in the direction of disconnection.

[0040] In one embodiment, the connector body provides a second socket at a location remote from the first-mentioned socket, the second socket being provided to receive and retain a second pin of the accessory.

[0041] In one embodiment, a second socket is provided, and when the first socket holds the first pin, the second socket may hold a second pin of the accessory, and / or when the first socket does not have the first pin, the second socket may hold a second pin of the accessory.

[0042] In one embodiment, a second retainer is provided, which is positioned by the connector body in a certain way to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second retainer prevents a second pin located in a second socket from being dislodged from the second socket. In the second position, the retained second pin can be released from the second socket.

[0043] In one embodiment, the second retainer is actuated by a second retainer actuator to move between a first position and a second position.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second retainer actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

[0045] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is actuated directly or indirectly by a second retainer actuator.

[0046] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is not self-powered.

[0047] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is mechanically driven by a second retainer actuator.

[0048] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is configured for idling with the second retainer actuator.

[0049] In one embodiment, the driver actuator includes a vacancy arrangement configured for vacancy between the driver actuator and the second retainer actuator.

[0050] In one embodiment, the vacant arrangement causes vacant movement between the full extension and full retraction of the second retainer actuator, and creates an engagement position between the extension and full retraction of the second retainer actuator.

[0051] In one embodiment, the second retainer actuator and the driver actuator are paired or coupled between the engaged position and the full retraction of the second retainer actuator.

[0052] In one embodiment, the drive actuator and the second retainer actuator function in paired motion between the engagement point and the full retraction of the second retainer actuator.

[0053] In one embodiment, the distance traveled by the paired motion is equal to the distance required to drive the actuator to raise the retainer to its retracted position.

[0054] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is pivotally connected to the driver.

[0055] In one embodiment, the driver is slidably mounted to the connector body.

[0056] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is slidably mounted to the connector body.

[0057] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is biased to slide toward the second retainer in the release actuation direction, and / or the driver actuator is biased to slide in the release actuation direction.

[0058] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is biased to move the retainer in a direction that moves the retainer to a first position when coupled to the retainer.

[0059] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is spring-biased.

[0060] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is a push rod.

[0061] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to be engaged by the second retainer actuator or the second retainer when the second retainer actuator or the second retainer retracts to the engaged position, and once in or beyond the engaged position, the push rod moves together with the second retainer actuator or the second retainer to move the drive simultaneously.

[0062] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to be adjacent to the second retainer actuator or the second retainer when the second retainer actuator or the second retainer moves or is moving to the second position of the second retainer.

[0063] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to engage by a second retainer actuator or a second retainer via an adjoint engagement.

[0064] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to be engaged by a second retainer actuator or a second retainer via a sliding abutment engagement.

[0065] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is a combination of a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator that are hydraulically connected together.

[0066] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is a combination of a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator operating on the same circuit.

[0067] In one embodiment, the actuator includes an arm driven by a second retainer or a second retainer actuator, and the arm hydraulically drives a first hydraulic actuator and thus drives a second hydraulic actuator, which in turn drives the actuator.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator do not share hydraulic fluid with the second retainer actuator.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator are isolated hydraulic systems.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator do not include a hydraulic pump and / or are passively driven.

[0071] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a vacancy arrangement configured for vacancy between the arm and one of a second retainer actuator and a second retainer.

[0072] In one embodiment, the actuator is an actively driven hydraulic plunger and associated cylinder configured to engage and drive the actuator to move the retainer to its second position.

[0073] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

[0074] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is separate from the second retainer actuator.

[0075] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is hydraulically dependent on the second retainer actuator and / or shares the same hydraulic fluid.

[0076] In one embodiment, the driver actuator includes a cam configured to follow a second retainer actuator, the cam thereby driving the driver directly or indirectly.

[0077] In one embodiment, the driver actuator includes a push rod configured to follow and be driven by the cam as the cam rotates, the push rod being configured to drive the driver in turn.

[0078] In one embodiment, the cam is spring-biased.

[0079] In one embodiment, the cam has a rotational axis orthogonal to the direction of movement of the second retainer actuator.

[0080] In one embodiment, the cam includes a periphery having a portion configured to create free movement between the second retainer actuator and the push rod.

[0081] Therefore, in a second aspect, the invention can be described as a connector for securing an attachment to an earthmoving machine, the connector comprising a connector body presenting a socket, the socket including an opening through which a pin of the attachment can pass to move through a channel of the socket to a restricted area of ​​the socket, the channel of the socket being capable of being blocked sufficiently to prevent the pin from moving out of the restricted area by a retainer, the retainer being movably presented from the connector body and biased relative to the connector body to a first position where the channel is blocked, at the first position the retainer prevents the pin from moving out of the restricted area and the retainer being movable to a second position relative to the channel to allow: (i) By forcing the pin against the retainer to resist its biased movement toward the second position, the pin enters the restricted area; and (ii) The pin is disengaged from the restricted area by a drive capable of moving relative to the connector body to (a) engage with the retainer, allowing the retainer to be moved by the drive to its second position, and to (b) disengage from the retainer, thereby preventing the drive from controlling the retainer position between its first and second positions. The connector further includes a trigger that is translatable relative to the connector body in an engaged manner and is translatable by the pin as the pin moves through the channel, such that the trigger can disengage the driver from the retainer when the trigger moves by the pin, wherein the driver is carried by the trigger.

[0082] In one embodiment, the trigger can disconnect the coupled retainer and driver, allowing the retainer to move to its first position under the influence of a bias even when it is not in its first position.

[0083] In one embodiment, the trigger can move the coupled retainer and driver relative to each other to disengage them, such that the driver does not prevent the retainer from moving to its first position.

[0084] In one embodiment, the driver is capable of moving between a connected state and a disconnected state via a driver actuator.

[0085] In one embodiment, the retainer is mounted to move in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the body about the retainer's rotation axis.

[0086] In one embodiment, the connector body can be fixed or attached to earthmoving machinery.

[0087] In one embodiment, the driver is coupled to a driver actuator to enable the driver to move in a manner that allows the retainer to move.

[0088] In one embodiment, when actuated, the driver actuator is capable of moving the driver in the actuation direction to move the retainer to its second position or toward its second position when the driver is coupled to the retainer.

[0089] In one embodiment, when released, the driver actuator will allow the driver to move in the release actuation direction opposite to the actuation direction, so as to allow the retainer to move to or toward its first position when coupled to the retainer.

[0090] In one embodiment, the trigger is mounted relative to the body to translate in a trigger direction relative to the body and orthogonal to the rotation axis of the retainer.

[0091] In one embodiment, the trigger direction is orthogonal to the de-actuation direction.

[0092] In one embodiment, the driver is mounted on the trigger to be slidably translated relative to the trigger in the actuation / de-actuation direction for moving the retainer between a first retainer position and a second retainer position.

[0093] In one embodiment, the driver is configured to move only relative to the trigger in the actuation / de-actuation direction.

[0094] In one embodiment, the driver is carried by a trigger.

[0095] In one embodiment, the driver has an adjacency and / or sliding engagement with the driver actuator.

[0096] In one embodiment, the driver is biased in the de-actuation direction.

[0097] In one embodiment, the driver is configured to move laterally between a first driver position, a second driver position, and a third driver position, wherein in the first driver position, the driver is engaged with the retainer when the retainer is in the retainer first position, in the second driver position, the driver is engaged with the retainer when the retainer is in the retainer second position, and in the third driver position, the driver is disengaged from the retainer.

[0098] In one embodiment, the driver is kept in contact with the driver actuator via a bias.

[0099] In one embodiment, the bias is a spring bias.

[0100] In one embodiment, the drive is kept in contact with the drive actuator via a spring.

[0101] In one embodiment, the driver is configured to lose contact with or disconnect from the driver actuator.

[0102] In one embodiment, in the third position of the driver, the driver is disconnected from the driver actuator.

[0103] In one embodiment, when the driver is disconnected from the retainer, the driver will also be disconnected from the driver actuator.

[0104] In one embodiment, when the driver is disconnected from the driver actuator, the driver will be reverse biased in the direction of disconnection.

[0105] In one embodiment, the connector body provides a second socket at a location remote from the first-mentioned socket, the second socket being provided to receive and retain a second pin of the accessory.

[0106] In one embodiment, a second socket is provided, and when the first socket holds the first pin, the second socket may hold a second pin of the accessory, and / or when the first socket does not have the first pin, the second socket may hold a second pin of the accessory.

[0107] In one embodiment, a second retainer is provided, which is positioned by the connector body in a certain way to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second retainer prevents a second pin located in a second socket from being dislodged from the second socket. In the second position, the retained second pin can be released from the second socket.

[0108] In one embodiment, the second retainer is actuated by a second retainer actuator to move between a first position and a second position.

[0109] In one embodiment, the second retainer actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

[0110] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is actuated directly or indirectly by a second retainer actuator.

[0111] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is not self-powered.

[0112] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is mechanically driven by a second retainer actuator.

[0113] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is configured for idling with the second retainer actuator.

[0114] In one embodiment, the driver actuator includes a vacancy arrangement configured for vacancy between the driver actuator and the second retainer actuator.

[0115] In one embodiment, the vacant arrangement causes vacant movement between the full extension and full retraction of the second retainer actuator, and creates an engagement position between the extension and full retraction of the second retainer actuator.

[0116] In one embodiment, the second retainer actuator and the driver actuator are paired or coupled between the engaged position and the full retraction of the second retainer actuator.

[0117] In one embodiment, the drive actuator and the second retainer actuator function in paired motion between the engagement point and the full retraction of the second retainer actuator.

[0118] In one embodiment, the distance traveled by the paired motion is equal to the distance required to drive the actuator to raise the retainer to its retracted position.

[0119] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is pivotally connected to the driver.

[0120] In one embodiment, the driver is slidably mounted to the connector body.

[0121] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is slidably mounted to the connector body.

[0122] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is biased to slide toward the second retainer in the release actuation direction, and / or the driver actuator is biased to slide in the release actuation direction.

[0123] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is biased to move the retainer in a direction that moves the retainer to a first position when coupled to the retainer.

[0124] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is spring-biased.

[0125] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is a push rod.

[0126] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to be engaged by the second retainer actuator or the second retainer when the second retainer actuator or the second retainer retracts to the engaged position, and once in or beyond the engaged position, the push rod moves together with the second retainer actuator or the second retainer to move the drive simultaneously.

[0127] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to be adjacent to the second retainer actuator or the second retainer when the second retainer actuator or the second retainer moves or is moving to the second position of the second retainer.

[0128] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to engage by a second retainer actuator or a second retainer via an adjoint engagement.

[0129] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is configured to be engaged by a second retainer actuator or a second retainer via a sliding abutment engagement.

[0130] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is a combination of a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator that are hydraulically connected together.

[0131] In one embodiment, the actuator includes an arm driven by a second retainer or a second retainer actuator, and the arm hydraulically drives a first hydraulic actuator and thus drives a second hydraulic actuator, which in turn drives the actuator.

[0132] In one embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator do not share hydraulic fluid with the second retainer actuator.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator are isolated hydraulic systems.

[0134] In one embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator do not include a hydraulic pump and / or are passively driven.

[0135] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a vacancy arrangement configured for vacancy between the arm and one of a second retainer actuator and a second retainer.

[0136] In one embodiment, the actuator is an actively driven hydraulic plunger and associated cylinder configured to engage and drive the actuator to move the retainer to its second position.

[0137] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

[0138] In one embodiment, the driver actuator is separate from the second retainer actuator.

[0139] In one embodiment, the drive actuator is hydraulically dependent on the second retainer actuator and / or shares the same hydraulic fluid.

[0140] In one embodiment, the driver actuator includes a cam configured to follow a second retainer actuator, the cam thereby driving the driver directly or indirectly.

[0141] In one embodiment, the driver actuator includes a push rod configured to follow and be driven by the cam as the cam rotates, the push rod being configured to drive the driver in turn.

[0142] In one embodiment, the cam is spring-biased.

[0143] In one embodiment, the cam has a rotational axis orthogonal to the direction of movement of the second retainer actuator.

[0144] In one embodiment, the cam includes a periphery having a portion configured to create free movement between the second retainer actuator and the push rod.

[0145] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0146] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or” or both.

[0147] As used in this article, “(multiple)” before a noun refers to the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0148] As used in this specification [and claims], the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least partially...". When interpreting a statement containing such a term in this specification [and claims], all features preceded by the term must be present in each statement, but other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" will be interpreted in the same manner.

[0149] All applications, patents, and publications cited above and below, if any, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] Broadly speaking, the invention may also lie in any or all combinations of parts, elements, and features individually or collectively mentioned or indicated in the description of this application, and any two or more of said parts, elements, or features, and when a specific integer having a known equivalent in the field to which this invention relates is mentioned herein, such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as separately described. Attached Figure Description

[0151] The invention will now be described only by means of embodiments and with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1A : Shows a side view of an attachment (such as a bucket) partially engaged with the connector.

[0152] Figure 1B : Shows a side view of the bucket fully connected to the connector.

[0153] Figures 2 to 6 : A side view schematic diagram of a prior art connector that is detached from the pin of the accessory.

[0154] Figures 7 to 10 : A side view schematic diagram of a prior art connector that engages with a pin in an accessory.

[0155] Figure 11 : This shows an enlarged side view schematic diagram of the holding system.

[0156] Figures 12 to 22 : Shows a detailed side view of the pin in the attachment, which is retracted to be held by a holding system.

[0157] Figure 23 : This shows a detailed side view of the holding system after the pin has been withdrawn and reset to "lift mode".

[0158] Figures 24 to 31 : A detailed side view diagram showing the pin entering the retaining system after the pin has been withdrawn, for example, following Figure 22 (Regarding the first engagement mode)

[0159] Figures 32 to 41 : A detailed side view schematic diagram showing the pins of the accessory holding the system away from the alternative (second version) embodiment.

[0160] Figures 42 to 45 : A detailed side view of the pins of the accessory that enter the retaining system after the retaining system is in "lift mode" (second engagement mode).

[0161] Figures 46 to 48 : A detailed side view of the pins of the attachments that enter the holding system after the holding system is in "lift mode" and the operator actuates the holding system for engagement (third engagement mode).

[0162] Figure 49 The following is a side view detail of the retaining system of the present invention, in which the spring bias and rotation stop are described in detail. Figure 50 : Showing a top perspective view of the holding system of the present invention.

[0163] Figure 51 : A top view of the holding system of the present invention is shown. Figure 52 : This shows a schematic diagram of a hydraulic system.

[0164] Figure 53 : This shows a schematic diagram of an alternative hydraulic system.

[0165] Figure 54 : Shows a side view of the third version of the system.

[0166] Figure 55 The third version retains a side view of the system, where additional features have been removed to clarify the drivers and triggers.

[0167] Figure 56 : Show Figure 55 Top rear perspective.

[0168] Figure 57 : Show Figure 55 The top rear perspective view, where the trigger housing has been removed to highlight the driver plunger and reset spring.

[0169] Figures 58 to 66 : A detailed side view of the pins of the accessory that enter the third version retaining system in the first engagement mode.

[0170] Figures 67 to 83 : Shows a detailed side view of the pin that holds the accessory when exiting the third version of the system.

[0171] Figure 84 This diagram shows a detailed side view of the latching system used for the driver.

[0172] Figures 85 to 90 : A side view schematic diagram showing the pins of the accessory holding the system with an alternative (fourth version) embodiment.

[0173] Figures 91 to 94 : A side view schematic diagram showing the pins of the accessory holding the system with an alternative (fifth version) embodiment.

[0174] Figure 94 : Shows a side view schematic diagram of a fifth trigger version with an alternative drive actuator.

[0175] Figures 95 to 99: Shows a side view schematic diagram of a retaining system with a second alternative driver actuator and a version two retaining system that retracts to allow the accessory pin to exit the connector.

[0176] Figures 100 to 104 : Shows a side view schematic diagram of a retaining system with a third alternative driver actuator and a version two retaining system that retracts to allow the accessory pin to exit the connector.

[0177] Figures 105 to 106 The diagram shows a side view of the holding system, in which a fourth alternative driver actuator is actuated to allow the accessory pin to exit the connector.

[0178] Figure 107 : Shows a side view schematic diagram of a driver actuator including a cam and a push rod. Detailed Implementation

[0179] Referring to the above figures, where similar features are generally indicated by similar markings, a holding system 1 according to a first aspect of the invention is shown.

[0180] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram illustrates a quick-connect coupling C. The quick-connect coupling may include a body 2, which may contain multiple mounting points 4A and 4B for securing the quick-connect coupling to, for example, the end of the boom 7 of an excavator 5 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The quick coupler can be attached to and detached from accessory A. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the example shown, the attachment could be an excavator bucket. Attachment A provides two parallel, spaced-apart pins P1 and P2, which can be securely received at spaced-apart sockets R1 and R2 of connector C, respectively. To retain pin P2 at socket R2, a second retainer 3 is used. The second retainer 3 can, for example, be capable of being held in place by means of... Figure 52 The hydraulic plunger 40 shown is a retainer that moves between a retracted state and an extended state. The second retainer may be wedge-shaped and may be a rod, plate, bar, or similar. A retaining system 1 is provided at the first socket R1. The positions of the retaining system 1 and the second retainer can be switched to the positions shown in the figure.

[0181] The main body 2 of the quick connector C can consist of two motherboards. Figure 1AThe diagram shows a mainboard 500. A second mainboard is spaced apart from and preferably connected to the first mainboard in a parallel configuration. The mainboard and / or other portions of the body preferably define a socket R1. For this purpose, the board may have appropriately shaped edge profiles. At the socket R1, a pin P1 (e.g., the front pin of Annex A) can be received. Pins P1 and P2 extend through and protrude from the sides of the mainboard when engaged with the body. For ease of illustration, the depth of the connector is not shown in most figures, and instead, a side view looking towards the mainboard is shown in most figures.

[0182] In such Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the fully retained state shown, the retaining system securely holds pin P1 within the restricted area CR of socket R1, and pin P1 cannot be removed from socket R1 through the socket opening. (Reference) Figure 11 This shows a portion of the body 2 of the connector C at the socket R1. The socket R1 has a sufficiently large opening M to allow the pin P1 to pass through and enter the socket R1. The socket R1 may include a restricted area CR in which the pin P1 can be placed and held in place by a retainer 6. The placement in the restricted area may be loose or slack. Between the restricted area CR and the opening M is a channel P, as shown... Figure 23 As described above. The pin can pass through the channel P of the socket R1 to move to the restricted area CR of the socket R1. The channel P of the socket R1 can be blocked to prevent the pin from moving out of the restricted area CR through the retainer 6, which is biased to prevent the pin from passing through the channel P at the restricted area. In one embodiment, as in Figure 11 As seen in the side view, the retainer 6 protrudes at least partially across the socket R1 from one side of the channel. The retainer is preferably made of steel. Figure 11 As shown, the retainer 6, in its holding state, also referred to herein as its first position, protrudes sufficiently far through the socket R1 to prevent removal of pin P1 from the restricted area. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer 6 is rotatably mounted about a retainer axis 15 relative to the body 2 (e.g., relative to the motherboard and preferably mounted by the motherboard). When engaged, the retainer axis 15 is preferably parallel to the elongated pin axis 16 of the front pin P1.

[0183] The retainer 6 is preferably mounted to the body 2 on the retainer shaft 17 to allow the retainer 6 to rotate on its retainer axis 15. The retainer shaft can be fixed at its end to the main plate of the body. Figure 11As shown, the retainer 6 is capable of pivoting clockwise from its first holding position along its retainer axis 15. This can occur when the retainer is pushed away from its first position to its second position by a pin, or when pin P1 is inserted into socket R1 by a drive described herein. A rotation stop 33 may be provided to prevent the retainer 6 from rotating counterclockwise from its holding position, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown in the diagram. For clarity, the rotation stop 33 has not yet been... Figure 11 As shown in, but in Figure 49 As shown in the figure. It should be understood that many alternative forms of rotational stops can be provided to prevent excessive rotation of the retainer 6.

[0184] Holder 6 can be from such Figure 11 The pin holding position shown is moved to, as indicated Figure 16 The pin release position is shown in the diagram. This can be achieved using a driver 11. The driver 11 is capable of being coupled to the retainer 6. This can be achieved via a retainer lug 8 of the retainer 6. The retainer lug 8 can be a pin, or a surface of the retainer 6 configured and adapted to allow the driver 11 to be coupled to it. The driver 11 is capable of being coupled to the retainer 6 via a pin release position, as shown in the diagram. Figure 11 The first position shown is moved to, as Figure 16 The second position is shown. The actuator 11 can be moved by an actuator 9, such as a mechanical or hydraulic plunger 9. When the actuator 11 and retainer 6 are engaged, movement of the actuator 11 to its second position can rotate the retainer 6 from its pin-held position to its pin-released position. A retainer lug 8 is located at a distance from the retainer axis 15 of the retainer 6 to allow rotational force / torque to be applied to the retainer 6 by the actuator 11 when it moves to the second position. The actuator 11 may include a coupling region 19 capable of hooking onto and / or additionally releasably engaging with the retainer lug 8.

[0185] In order to allow pin P1 to be released from socket R1, the driver 11 can be released from the socket R1 when connected to retainer 6. Figure 11 As shown, its first position moves to, as Figure 16 The second position shown is designed to at least partially (if not completely) prevent the retainer 6 from extending across the socket R1.

[0186] In some modes and / or embodiments, a notable feature is that the retainer 6 can be completely disengaged from the socket R1, such that when the retainer is in such a position... Figure 16 , Figure 33 , Figure 46 and Figure 73In its second position, as shown, the pin does not interfere with the retainer 6. If the retainer 6 were to easily interfere with the pin P1, the pin P1 could push the retainer past the point where the retainer lug 8 can be disengaged from the connection area 19. This complete rotation of the retainer 6 keeps it outside the socket in its second position, or at least helps to prevent accidental disengagement.

[0187] In such Figure 16 In the position shown, pin P1 can be disengaged from socket R1 without interference from retainer 6. When referring to extending into or disengaging from the socket, it should be understood that this refers to the motherboard 500 facing the main body / casing and, for example, in… Figure 11 The reference frame seen in the diagram. A retainer is located near the first motherboard 500 and a corresponding retainer may also be provided adjacent to the second motherboard (not shown), and other related retaining system components may also be provided on the other side of the quick coupler body. The drive 11 may be guided by a track or slot 20 of the housing to move along a path (preferably caused by the drive actuator 9), and the axle 21 of the drive 11 is mounted along said track or slot. The axle 21 is capable of sliding within the slot 20 to translate along this path. The drive 11 is preferably mounted to rotate on a drive axis 22. This rotation allows the drive 11 to... Figure 11 The connection status shown is similar to that shown below. Figure 22 The movement occurs between the disengaged and engaged states shown, where the drive 11 is engaged to the retainer 6 at the retainer lug 8 and engagement region 19, and in the disengaged state, the engagement region 19 and retainer lug 8 are disengaged from each other. The slot 20 and axle 21 allow this rotation to occur within... Figure 11 and Figure 22 This occurs in the example shown.

[0188] Version 1 trigger Additionally, the holding system 1 includes a trigger 10. The trigger 10 is preferably rotatably mounted to the body 2 via a trigger wheel axle 23 to allow rotation of the trigger 10 on a trigger axis 24. The trigger 10 is presented such that the trigger region 25 of the trigger protrudes across or is at least partially across the socket R1. Preferably, the trigger 10, and therefore the trigger region 25, protrudes at least partially across the channel P to contact a pin that moves through the channel. Thus, the trigger region 25 is contacted by the pin P1 as the pin P1 passes through the trigger 10, and is therefore rotatably movable on its trigger axis 24. The trigger may also be mounted to alternatively allow linear movement relative to the body 2 (as in...). Figures 32 to 41 (As shown in an alternative embodiment). Preferably, the shape of the trigger and the shape of the socket make it impossible for the pin moving through the channel to avoid contact with the trigger.

[0189] Additionally, in some forms, the trigger 10 may have a disengagement region 26 that can interact with the driver 11 in a suitable manner to control the driver 11 to rotate about its driver axis 22. The driver 11 may include a disengagement pin 27 that can abut against the disengagement region 26 of the trigger 10.

[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the driver axis 22, the retainer axis 15, and the trigger axis 24 are all parallel to each other and are also parallel to the pin axis 16 when held or engaged.

[0191] To explain how the retainer system 1 of the present invention works, reference will now be made to the following sequence of figures: Figures 12 to 23 The process of separating pin P1 is described therein; and Figures 24 to 31 The process of engaging pin P1 is described therein.

[0192] exist Figure 12 The diagram shows a pin P1 securely and fixedly held at a socket R1 by a retainer 6. To allow removal of pin P1 from the socket R1, the actuator 11 is displaced when engaged with the retainer lug 8. For example, a hydraulic plunger 9 can be actuated by an operator to displace the actuator 11 in a direction that causes clockwise rotation of the retainer 6, as shown in the diagram. Figure 12 and 16 Shown between.

[0193] Version 1 driver actuator In an optional embodiment, hydraulic plunger 9 (actuator actuator 9) and hydraulic plunger 40 actuate actuator 11 and retainer 3, respectively. Preferably, hydraulic plunger 9 and hydraulic plunger 40 are supplied from the same hydraulic circuit, such as... Figure 52 As shown in the diagram. To release the attachment, pressure is supplied to the hydraulic plunger 40 and the retainer 3 retracts to the release pin P2, while in a preferred embodiment, the retainer 6 is retracted via the actuator 11 through the hydraulic plunger 9 to allow the release pin P1. However, since the mechanical trigger 10 of the retaining system 1 is triggered by the withdrawal of the front pin P1, the retainer 6 returns to its holding position without any hydraulic pressure. To attach attachment A from the aforementioned state, pins P1 and P2 enter the corresponding sockets R1 and R2. By reversing or releasing the hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic plunger 40 extends the retainer 3 to hold the rear pin P2. The retainer 6 is independent of this extension of the retainer 3 due to the operation of the trigger 10 as described. However, the actuator 11 engages with the hydraulic plunger 9, and after reversing or releasing the hydraulic pressure of the actuator actuator, the actuator 11 can return to its first position, for example, under bias (e.g., from a spring).

[0194] As the drive 11 continues to move to its second position, the retainer 6 will rotate fully clockwise so as to no longer interfere with the removal of pin P1 from socket R1. This displacement completely prevents the retainer 6 from protruding into socket R1, as... Figure 16 As shown, or by throwing the retainer partially into the socket R1, as... Figure 15 As shown in the diagram. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer 6 is completely disengaged from the socket R1. Preferably, the pin P1 cannot push the retainer 6 to this position (as shown in the diagram). Figures 16 to 19 (as shown in the diagram), because this allows the retainer 6 to relock with the drive 11.

[0195] When the retainer 6 is in the retracted position, for example Figure 16 As shown, the operator can move the excavator arm and thus the quick coupler C to remove the pin from the socket R1. As the retainer 6 leaves the socket R1, the trigger 10 presents its trigger area 25 protruding into the socket R1. The trigger area protrudes far enough into the socket R1 that it contacts the pin P1 when the pin P1 leaves the socket R1.

[0196] It should be understood that different sizes of pins for different accessories can be aligned at the socket R1. Therefore, it is important that the trigger area 25 is large enough to present itself to contact the pins of different sizes as they leave the socket, without the pins being able to pass through the trigger area 25 without actuating the trigger 10. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, the small pin P1 is shown exiting the socket R1 to show the extreme case and how the small pin can activate the trigger 10. Similarly, the large pin P1 is shown entering the socket R1 as the pin enters, showing the extreme case and how the large pin will not engage the retainer 6 with the engagement area 25, as described later.

[0197] Trigger actuation occurs when the force exerted by pin P1 upon its removal from or entry into the restricted area acts on trigger 10, causing trigger 10 to move, for example, by rotation along its trigger axis 24. In the orientation shown in the diagram, this rotation occurs in a counter-clockwise direction. When as... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As seen in the accompanying drawings, when the pin is removed from the socket R1, the counterclockwise rotation of the trigger 10 about the trigger axis 24 causes the disengagement area 26 to exert a force on the disengagement pin 27 of the driver 11. This causes the retainer lug 8 of the retainer 6 to disengage from the engagement area 19 of the driver 11.

[0198] After the driver 11 is disconnected from the retainer 6, the retainer 6 can rotate in the opposite direction to its holding position. The retainer is no longer held in place by the driver 11. Figure 18The retainer 6 is shown in its release position, rather than being able to rotate counterclockwise toward its holding position. The retainer 6 is preferably biased to its holding position by a spring (e.g., a torsion spring 31) acting around the retainer axis 15. Figures 49 to 51 An example of spring bias is shown. This helps to snap the retainer into its holding position when the drive is disengaged.

[0199] After disconnecting the driver 11 and the retainer 6, removing pin P1 from socket R1 allows the retainer 6 to rotate to its retaining position, such as... Figure 22 As shown in the diagram. Pin P1 and retainer 6 may come into contact during this process, but pin P1 is no longer held in socket R1 by retainer 6.

[0200] like Figures 20 to 22 As can be seen, the preferred geometry of the retainer 6 ensures that when pin P1 engages with the trigger region 25 of the trigger, the retainer's return to its holding position is disturbed by P1. This means that once pin P1 is fully removed from the socket R1, the trigger 10 may only be able to cause disengagement between the driver and the retainer (e.g., between the retainer lug 8 and the engagement region 19), thus not preventing the retainer 6 from further moving out of the socket R1 once disengagement has been caused. Figures 20 to 22 As can be seen, once the mechanism has disengaged, retainer 6 abuts against pin P1. However, if pin P1 is removed more quickly, or if the bias of retainer 6 is weaker or slower to cause movement of retainer 6 (e.g., by using a hydraulic accumulator), retainer 6 will not abut against pin P1 after pin P1 has disengaged.

[0201] Figure 23 This shows how to keep the system reset to its first state, such as Figure 11 As shown in the diagram. Holder 6 rotates to its lowest point ( Figure 22 ) and driver 11 is reconnected to retainer 6 ( Figure 23 The steps between these are: the actuator 9 has allowed or caused the driver 11 to return to its first state. The driver 11 can return to its coupled state due to rotation and lateral spring bias (via spring 31) to reconnect with the retainer 6.

[0202] If the operator causes the actuation of the release actuator 11 by releasing the actuator 9, for example (e.g., by releasing hydraulic pressure from the actuator 9), then or a) Before the retainer 6 has been fully raised (i.e., the retainer 6 is still connected to the driver 11), the retainer 6 will return to its holding position, or b) Before the pin has been withdrawn (i.e., before pin P1 has actuated trigger 10), Holder 6 will then return to its holding position.

[0203] These diagrams show that when pin P1 has been removed from socket R1, Figure 23 The operator's actions during this phase cause the release of drive 11. However, the operator can... Figure 20 The stage releases the driver 11, wherein the trigger 10 has been actuated to disengage the driver 11 from the retainer 6 which is connected to the retainer lug 8. Figure 19 The point at which the retainer lug 8 will disengage from the coupling area 19 is shown.

[0204] In the preferred form mentioned above, the retainer 6 is preferably biased to its retaining position by, for example, a torsion spring 30, such as... Figures 49 to 51 As shown in the diagram. Additionally, bias may occur in driver 11. This bias can be achieved by spring 31 pushing driver 11 to its engaged state, as shown in the diagram. Figure 49 As shown. In Figure 49 In the diagram, the same spring 31 is shown acting between the body 2 and the driver 11 in a direction that biases the driver 11 in the counterclockwise rotation direction. This causes the driver 11 to move to its first state via its rotational and translational coupling. In other embodiments not shown, the function of spring 31 can be achieved by more than one spring.

[0205] In addition to the preferred embodiment where the bias driver 11 pushes the trigger 10 to bias it, the trigger 10 can float freely. Alternatively, a separate bias can be applied to the trigger 10. This bias can be provided by a spring (not shown in this embodiment, but shown in an alternative embodiment) acting clockwise between the body 2 and the trigger 10, as can be seen in the figure. Figure 55 Spring 34 is provided. Direct or indirect biasing of trigger 10 will help reset trigger 10 to the state where trigger region 25 protrudes into socket R1.

[0206] Preferably, when the pin engages the trigger, the trigger is able to contact the driver, and when the pin is not in contact with the trigger, the trigger is not in contact with the driver. Alternatively, the trigger is always operatively in contact with the driver. In an alternative form described below, the trigger and the driver can move together relative to the connector body between the driver's engaged and disengaged states. Preferably, the trigger is capable of disengaging the driver from the retainer such that the driver does not restrict the retainer from moving to its first position.

[0207] Operators can access the system from sources such as... Figure 22 The connector state seen in the image progresses to, for example... Figure 23The coupling enters the lifting mode as seen in the diagram. In the lifting mode, both retainers 6 and 3 are in the holding position, but no pins are present in the corresponding sockets. In a preferred embodiment, the operator can lift the coupling from the position by causing a release or reversal of the hydraulic pressure. Figure 22 The phase moved to Figure 23 During the phase (i.e., to the lifting mode), the retainer 3 extends to its holding position. Figure 1B (as shown in the diagram), and because hydraulic pressure is also released to the drive actuator 9, the drive 11 is allowed to be biased back to engage with the retainer 6.

[0208] Reference Figures 24 to 31 This demonstrates how pin P1 can engage with and remain with connector C in the first engagement mode. For example, in the first engagement mode, the old pin has been removed from socket R1, and it is desired to replace it with a new pin P1 from another accessory. The operator has triggered the application of hydraulic pressure (or a similar device for actuation, such as a machine screw, etc.) to retract retainer 3 and raise retainer 6. The old pin is removed from disengagement trigger 10, and retainer 6 moves to its holding position. It should be noted that actuator 11 remains away from its biased position (i.e., the actuator is in its second position) because the actuator is held here by hydraulic plunger 9. The operator can then... Figure 24 The new pin shown is inserted into socket R1, and is secured to socket R1 by retainer 6. Although the drive has not yet returned to its position engaged with the retainer in its first position, the operator inserts pin P2 into socket R2 and extends retainer 3 to move it to a position holding pin P2. The holding of pin P2 can be achieved independently of the holding of pin P1.

[0209] The first engagement mode is the most typical mode when the operator changes the accessories.

[0210] exist Figure 24 In the diagram, retainer system 1 is shown in its holding position. Retainer 6 is in its holding position (without a pin in socket R1) and partially extends into socket R1 after being disengaged and reset by the old pin that was removed from socket R1. Actuator 11 remains in its actuated position. The operator then manipulates quick coupling C to introduce a new pin P1 into socket R1 through opening M. This movement of pin P1 into socket R1 causes retainer 6 to rotate clockwise, as shown in the diagram. Figure 25 As seen in the image, lug 8 can act on driver 11, but does not relock.

[0211] The preferred feature for preventing the driver 11 and lug 8 from reconnecting (i.e., at the connection area) is as follows: Figure 24The guide surface 28 is shown. The guide surface abuts against lug 8, or another portion of the driver 11, to prevent coupling between the driver 11 and the retainer 6. When pin P1 enters the socket, pin P1 engages with the retainer 6. Lug 8 of the retainer 6 abuts against the guide surface of the driver 11, and thus prevents coupling between the driver and the retainer until the driver has returned to a position where it could engage with the retainer when it was in its first position. The driver preferably returns to its first position more slowly than the retainer. In this embodiment, the trigger 10 floats freely relative to the movement caused by pin P1.

[0212] Because retainer 6 can rotate in an idle state and allow pin P1 to pass through, pin P1 can move to be fully seated in socket R1. Once pin P1 is in place... Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, it passes fully through the retainer 6, which is able to rotate counterclockwise to its holding position under the bias as previously described.

[0213] During the movement of pin P1 into socket R1, trigger 10 can also be activated from, for example... Figure 24 The active position shown has been shifted to, as... Figures 25 to 26 The image shows its disengaged position. However, in doing so, the trigger 10 does not function to reset the retainer 6 back to its holding position, nor does it function to establish or disconnect the connection between the retainer lug 8 and the connection area 19—this is because the retainer 8 is not connected to the driver 11. In this case, the trigger 10 is merely idle and is able to remove the pin P1 when the pin P1 enters the socket R1.

[0214] Once pin P1 is fully seated in its socket R1 or retainer 6 can pass through pin P1, retainer 6 is moved or moved to the position via its rotational bias. Figure 29 The image shows its holding position. At this point, in the preferred embodiment, the operator (once the front pin P1 is held) releases or reverses the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 40, allowing the rear pin P2 to be held by the retainer 3, while the actuator 11 can return to its original position. Figures 30 to 31 The offset position is shown in the figure.

[0215] After actuation or hydraulic reversal or release of the actuator 9 associated with the actuator 11, the actuator 11 is able to reset or return to its first position for engagement with the retainer lug 8, such as Figure 31 As shown in the image.

[0216] The driver 11 is then connected to the retainer 6 so that the retainer 6 can be rotated back to its release position to allow the pin P1 to be released from the socket R1, as in Figures 12 to 23 As indicated in the document.

[0217] The trigger region 25 of the trigger 10 is shaped to serve as a cam surface, thereby allowing the pin P1 to move through the trigger 10. The trigger region 25 preferably has a circular surface that does not inhibit the movement of the pin P1 into and out of the socket R1. This allows the trigger 10 to rotate about its trigger pivot 24, but does not interfere with the movement of the pin P1 during its movement into and out of the socket R1.

[0218] The shape of the retainer 6 is such that when the pin is in the socket R1 and the retainer 6 is in its retained position, the retainer holds the pin P1 in the socket R1 until the time when the retainer 6 is actively moved to its released position. The stop 33, as described herein, helps to prevent the retainer 6 from rotating beyond a certain limit, thereby ensuring that the pin P1 remains fixed in its socket R1 when the retainer 6 is in its retained position.

[0219] Preferably, the geometry of the retainer 6 is configured such that when the pin P1 is received into the socket R1 (and the retainer 6 is rotated to its release position, as shown in the image), the retainer 6 is positioned such that... Figure 26 When (as seen in the image), the retainer 6 is not engaged with the actuator 11. (As can be seen in the image) Figures 25 to 30 As seen in the diagram, the actuator 11 does not prevent the retainer 6 from being held in its torsion spring 30 ( Figure 49 Under the influence of (as shown in the diagram), the bias returns to its holding position (i.e., not engaged with retainer 6). In an alternative embodiment, when pin P1 enters socket R1, only the shape of trigger 10 causes driver 11 to move to prevent lug 8 from engaging with driver 11.

[0220] The geometry around the lug 8 region is important to ensure that the actuator 11 does not restrict the movement of the retainer 6 back to its retaining position once the pin P1 is fully received in its socket R1. The shape of the retainer 6 and the disengagement region 26 relative to the disengagement pin 27 is important to ensure that the actuator 11 does not prevent the retainer lug 8 from moving between the first and second retainer positions once the pin P1 is fully inside the socket R1.

[0221] A rotational displacement can then occur in which the driver 11 returns to its coupling position.

[0222] In one embodiment, the operator can engage pin P1 using the second and third connector engagement modes.

[0223] 1) In the second engagement mode, the connector was previously in the lifting (first) mode. That is, at least the retainer 6 is in the holding position and locked with the driver 11. The operator manipulates the connector C to move the pin into the socket R1, as... Figures 42 to 45 As shown, without retracting the retainer 6. The difference between the second engagement mode and the first engagement mode is that in the second mode, the driver 11 is not actuated to its second position.

[0224] In the third engagement mode, the connector was previously in the raised (first) mode. That is, at least the retainer 6 was in the held position and locked with the actuator 11. The operator retracts the retainer 6 by actuating the actuator 11. The operator manipulates the connector C such that the pin moves into the socket R1, disengaging the trigger 10 to reset the retainer 6 to its held position—this process is partially... Figures 46 to 48 As shown in the diagram. The operator then inserts pin P2 into socket R2—and then releases the actuation pressure, allowing retainer 3 to move back to its holding position to hold pin P2. The holding of pin P1 is independent of the holding of pin P2.

[0225] In one example, the driver is preferably mounted relative to the body and moved only in a rotatable manner for movement between an engaged and disengaged state. Preferably, the trigger is mounted relative to the body and moved only in a rotatable manner. Preferably, the trigger, retainer, and driver are rotatably mounted relative to the body about respective axes of rotation parallel to each other. Preferably, the trigger can move the driver relative to the body and relative to the retainer to disengage the driver from the retainer. Preferably, the trigger is presented for contact by the pin as the pin enters or exits the capture area. Preferably, when in the first position, the retainer prevents the pin from retracting while the pin is held in the socket and can resist biased movement acting on the retainer to allow the pin to enter the socket and pass through the retainer. Preferably, the retainer in the second position does not contact the pin when it is in the socket.

[0226] To date, a single embodiment of the trigger mechanism has been generally referenced, referred to as the version 1 trigger mechanism. However, other variations of the trigger mechanism utilizing the same concepts as the version 1 trigger mechanism are described herein. Five trigger mechanisms are described herein. Combinations of features from these versions are contemplated within the scope of this invention.

[0227] The diagrams listed below are related to the following trigger mechanisms: Version 1: In Figures 11 to 31 , Figures 42 to 51 The middle shows Version 2: In Figures 32 to 41 The middle shows Version 3: In Figures 54 to 84 The middle shows Version 4: In Figures 85 to 88 The middle shows Version 5: In Figures 89 to 94 The middle shows Version 2 trigger Now for reference Figures 32 to 41 (Also referred to as version 2 in this document) described in Figures 11 to 31 and Figures 42 to 51The mechanism shown in (also referred to herein as version 1) is a change. In the version 2 trigger mechanism, instead of the driver 11 pulling the retainer 6 from its held position 6a to its fully retracted position 6b, the driver 11 is configured to push the retainer 6 from its held position to its retracted position. Figure 32 The image shows a connector C having a front socket R1 with a front pin P1 aligned within it. Figures 32 to 41 The diagram illustrates the removal of pin P1 from the connector by actuating the retainer to the release position, with the trigger subsequently disengaging pin P1 to move the retainer back to its blocking position. A diagram of the insertion pin in this embodiment is not shown.

[0228] As part of the retaining system 1, a retainer 6 is provided, which is pivotally mounted to the body 2 of the connector C to rotate about its axis of rotation 15. A retainer lug 8 forms part of or engages with the retainer 6, and the retainer lug also rotates with the retainer 6. The retainer lug 8 can be engaged and coupled by a driver 11, which can be driven by a driver actuator 9.

[0229] In this embodiment, connecting and disconnecting do not necessarily mean connecting and disconnecting respectively. The driver 11 may or may not be connected to the retainer 6 when disconnecting, but the driver 11 did not drive the retainer or could not apply force to the retainer before connecting it to the retainer 6. That is, the drive to the driver can be disconnected, rather than the driver 11 being disconnected from the retainer / lug 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the driver 11 is mechanically disconnected via contact with the lug 8.

[0230] The actuator 9 can be displaced (between positions 9a and 9B) by the driver 11 to push against the lug 8 during engagement, and to cause the retainer 6 to disengage from the lug. Figure 32 The position shown is moved to, as indicated Figure 35 The release position is shown. The drive 11 itself is capable of displacement and rotation. The drive 11 can be pivotally mounted to the drive actuator 9, for example, at the drive wheel axle 21, to define the drive axis 22 for the drive 11.

[0231] The preferred feature for preventing the drive 11 and lug 8 from relocking (i.e., at the coupling area) is as follows: Figure 39 The guide surface 28 is shown. The guide surface abuts against lug 8, or another portion of the driver 11, to prevent coupling between the driver 11 and the retainer 6. When pin P1 enters the socket, pin P1 contacts the retainer 6 and causes the retainer 6 to rotate. Lug 8 of the retainer 6 abuts against the guide surface of the driver 11 and also helps prevent coupling between the two. In this embodiment, the trigger 10 can move because the driver 11 engages with the trigger 10.

[0232] Similar to the reference Figures 11 to 31 The described holding system 1 provides a trigger 10, which is displaceable by entering and exiting the socket R1 via pin P1. When the retainer 6 is as Figure 35 When it is in its retracted position as shown, as Figures 36 to 39 Removing pin P1 from socket R1 as shown allows trigger 10 to move driver 11 from retainer lug 8 and disengage driver 11 from retainer lug 8. Similar to... Figures 11 to 31 The holding system 1 described herein includes a slot 10 for carrying or guiding the driver 11. The slot 26 is formed by the trigger 10, as shown below. Figure 32 As shown, and retains the pin 27 of the driver 11. The slot also includes a disengagement region 26 / or a disengagement region 26 that engages the pin 27 of the driver 11. The disengagement region 26 allows actuation of the disengagement pin 27 of the driver 11 (between positions 10a and 10c) to move along the defined disengagement surface or slot 26 formed by the trigger 10.

[0233] Disengaging the driver 11 from the lug 8 can result in a disconnection (when the trigger is in position 10c), and once the retainer 6 is disconnected from the driver 11, the retainer 6 will spring back to its holding position. The disconnection may not occur between positions 10a and 10b, but will occur after 10b toward position 10c.

[0234] In this embodiment, it is clear that the movement of the trigger 10 can be linear relative to the body 2. Other embodiments show a pure rotational movement of the trigger upon activation. It is conceivable that it can also be a combination of rotational and linear movement.

[0235] At least as Figure 11 In the first embodiment shown, when in the disconnected state, the driver 11 and the retainer 6 are preferably disconnected. In other embodiments, the driver 11 and the retainer 6 are connected, but in the disconnected state, so the driver 11 cannot control the position of the retainer 6. Therefore, the driver 11 cannot drive, but can still follow and connect to the retainer 6, which is consistent with at least Figure 32 The variations shown are very similar. Furthermore, for the connected state of driver 11 and retainer 6, driver 11 and retainer 6 can be connected to each other or not connected to each other, but in both embodiments, in the connected state, driver 11 is able to influence retainer 6.

[0236] Actuation of the actuator 11 can be performed manually, for example, via a threaded mechanism. Alternatively, actuation of the actuator 11 can be achieved via hydraulic plungers. In a preferred embodiment, two hydraulic plungers are provided for the coupling C for actuating both the actuator 11 (actuator 9) and the second retainer 3 (actuator 40) – this is in Figure 52 As shown in the image.

[0237] Preferably, one of the trigger and the retainer (e.g., a retainer lug) is capable of engaging with a region of the driver to hold the driver in a position that prevents coupling between the driver and the retainer. Preferably, the trigger is capable of receiving and positioning one or more of the driver actuator, the driver, and the driver spring. Preferably, when the retainer is not coupled to the driver in a state that does not allow said coupling, the retainer lug engages with a region of the driver to hold the driver and the associated trigger.

[0238] Version 3 trigger Now for reference Figures 54 to 83 A variation of the mechanism described above is described (referred to herein as Version 3). Version 3 continues with the same reference numerals used in the previous two variations. In this variation, the actuator 11 is part of and is positioned and carried by the actuator assembly 60. The actuator assembly 60 includes the actuator 11, the actuator actuator 9, the return spring 31, an extension projecting into the recess R1 to serve as a trigger 10, and other portions. When the trigger 10 is moved by an external force, such as by a pin moving into or out of the socket R1, the trigger can actuate the actuator assembly to rotate about the axle 21.

[0239] Making the driver assembly 60 carry the trigger 10 means that there are fewer connections between the connection system and the main body 2. For example, in Figure 55 In the variant shown, the driver assembly 60 / driver 11 uses the same connection point as the trigger 10 to the body 2, which is the driver / trigger or driver assembly axle 21. In this embodiment, the driver assembly axle 21 acts as an axle that allows the driver 11 and trigger 10 to rotate relative to the body.

[0240] The reduction in connection points to body 2 allows the coupling system to be easily manufactured and / or modularized between bodies 2 of different sizes. Modularization allows the coupling system to be used on bodies of different sizes of mechanical equipment. The reduction in connection points can improve manufacturing efficiency and can also facilitate the repair and / or maintenance of the coupling system.

[0241] In this embodiment, the driver 11 moves relative to the trigger 10 by a pure translational movement to drive the retainer 6. However, since the driver assembly 60 is capable of rotating about the axle 21, the driver 11 also moves in the rotational path. The driver assembly 60 rotates when the trigger region 25 is moved by the pin P1.

[0242] The drive assembly 60 includes a hydraulic plunger 9 for driving the drive 11. The drive assembly includes a return spring 31 to bias back / return the drive 11, which is very similar to previous variations. However, in this variation, the return spring 31 is a tension spring instead of a torsion spring.

[0243] Similar to the previous embodiment, the trigger 10 preferably has two trigger regions 25 extending into the socket R1, one for pin entry contact and the other for pin exit contact. Figure 56 As seen, the actuator assembly 60 has an intermediate housing portion 510 that is integral with or engaged with the trigger 10. The housing portion 510 is capable of accommodating the hydraulic plunger 9 and the return spring 31 that respectively drive and retract the actuator 11. Figure 57 The trigger 10, hydraulic plunger 9, and return spring 31 are shown, but the middle housing portion is hidden for clarity. The return spring 31 is fixed to the trigger 10 at one end and to the driver 11 at the other end.

[0244] The driver 11 is capable of translation relative to the trigger 10. In the embodiment shown, the driver 11 translates relative to the trigger 10 along a linear translation path that can extend radially to the rotation axis of the trigger wheel shaft 21. The driver 11 is guided during operation along this linear translation path via a guide device. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide device is a protrusion 48 and a complementary guide channel 47. The protrusion 48 is located on the driver 11, and the complementary guide channel 47 is part of the drive assembly 60. Figure 55 Protrusion 48 can be seen in the middle, and... Figure 57 The guide channel 47 can be seen. Multiple mechanisms and configurations may exist that allow the driver 11 to be mounted with the drive assembly in a translational manner relative to the trigger 10.

[0245] The actuator 11 operates in a function similar to that of the previously described embodiment. The actuator 11 includes a coupling region 19 that can engage with a lug 8 on the retainer 6. When the actuator 11 is driven forward by the hydraulic actuator 9, the retainer 6 is forced to rotate rotatably about its axis of rotation, causing the region of the retainer 6 extending into the socket R1 to be removed from the opening of the socket, allowing the pin P1 to pass through. As the pin P1 passes through, it interferes with the region 25 of the trigger 10, thus disengaging the trigger 10 to raise the actuator assembly 40 and the trigger 10 around the axle 21. In doing so, the coupling region 19 is disengaged, so that the actuator 11 is no longer engaged with the retainer 6. Therefore, the retainer 6 is subsequently biased back into the opening of the socket R1 via the torsion return spring 31.

[0246] The feature that prevents the drive 11 and lug 8 from relocking (i.e., with the coupling area) is as follows Figures 57 to 59 The guide surface 28 is shown. The guide surface 28 abuts against the lug 8, or another portion of the driver 11, to help prevent coupling between the driver 11 and the retainer 6. When the pin P1 enters the socket R1, the pin P1 contacts the retainer 6 and causes the retainer 6 to rotate. The lug 8 of the retainer 6 abuts against the guide surface 28 of the driver 11 and thus prevents coupling between the two. In this embodiment, when the driver 11 is directly carried by the trigger 10, the trigger 10 moves together with the driver 11.

[0247] In this embodiment, Figure 26 There is no detachment region because trigger 10 now carries driver 11. Therefore, when triggered, the movement of trigger 10 directly moves the carried driver 11.

[0248] The driver 11 and the trigger 10 can be collectively referred to as a trigger / driver assembly. The decoupling region 25 can be located on the driver 11 or the driver actuator of the trigger / driver assembly. This alternative is not shown.

[0249] In order to explain in Figures 54 to 57 The retainer system 1 shown here will now be referred to in the following sequence of figures: Figures 58 to 66 The process of engaging pin P1 is shown; and Figures 67 to 83 The process of separating pin P1 is shown in the diagram.

[0250] Figures 58 to 66 The diagram shows the pin engaging the retaining system when the retaining system 1 is in a first engagement mode, the most typical mode when the operator changes accessories. In the first engagement mode, the drive 11 has been extended from the previous disengagement process.

[0251] Figure 58The driver 11 is shown, and in this embodiment, the associated trigger 10, held by a retainer lug 8 engaged with the disengagement region 26, is shown (partially hidden in these figures to show the driver 11 for clarity, but it can be seen in the figures). Figure 57 (As seen in the image). When lug 8 engages with disengagement area 26, trigger 10 essentially does not extend into channel P to block channel P. Pin P1 can enter channel P of socket R1, contacting or not contacting trigger area 25.

[0252] When pin P1 passes through channel P into the socket, pin P1 contacts retainer 6, thus causing retainer 6 to rotate about retainer shaft 17. Once pin P1 has passed fully, retainer 6 is biased back to its biased state. Trigger 10 will not bias back to its biased state until the user causes the hydraulic pressure to be released from actuator plunger 9, allowing actuator return spring 31 to pull actuator 11 back to its retracted position, as... Figures 64 to 66 As shown in the diagram. When the driver 11 returns to its retracted position, the trigger 10 is able to rotate about its trigger wheel shaft 21 to its biased position because the disengagement region 26 is no longer obstructed by the retainer lug 8. Figures 65 to 66 The trigger can be biased by the trigger reset spring 34. This can act on the trigger and / or driver to help rotate the trigger / driver clockwise in the orientation shown in the figure. When the driver 11 extends, the disengagement region 26 of the trigger 10 and the retainer lug 8 engage with each other.

[0253] exist Figure 60 The retainer 6 is seen at one of its full rotational limits, with pin P1 as large as possible. A smaller pin would not rotate the retainer 6 to this extent (but it would still be usable), but the large pin P1 shown indicates that the lug 8 of the driver 11 never leaves or extends beyond the guide surface 28, so the driver 11 does not engage with the lug 8 at the engagement area 19 when the driver 11 extends.

[0254] Figures 67 to 83 The pin exits the holding system 1. Figure 67 The image shows pin P1 in its operating mode, captured at the socket. Driver 11 retracts, trigger 10 is biased downward, retainer 6 is biased downward to lock pin P1 in socket R1, and disengagement area 25 extends into channel P. Figure 68 This shows that the drive 11 begins to extend via hydraulic pressure applied to the drive plunger 9. Figures 68 to 69 The drive 11 connection area 19 is shown to begin engaging the retainer 6. Figures 69 to 70 The retainer 6 is shown rotating about its retainer shaft 17 until the retainer 6 is in Figure 73When the pin reaches its rotational limit, it will not block channel P to prevent pin removal. At this stage, the operator / user can cause the movement holding system 1 to be activated, allowing pin P1 to exit from socket R1 via channel P.

[0255] Figure 74 The diagram shows that pin P1 begins to interfere with the disengagement area 25 of trigger 10. This causes the driver to lift lug 8 and not make operative contact with lug 8. Figure 76 The lug 8 of the retainer 6 is shown at a critical position where it loses contact with the connection area 19 of the driver 10. Figure 77 It is shown that it will be terminated by the rotation stop 33 ( Figure 72 The lug 8 of the retainer 6 (shown in the diagram) passes through the coupling region 19 to allow the retainer 6 to begin rotating back to its retaining position. At this stage, the pin P1 still lifts the driver 11 and the trigger 10 to fully release the retainer 6 from the driver 10. Figure 78 The retainer 6 and associated lug 8 are shown completely separated from the drive 10 and associated connection area 19.

[0256] Figure 79 The retainer 6 and trigger 10 are shown retracting substantially completely or fully from the socket R1 at their highest point. Figure 80 When the pin leaves the socket R1, the retainer 6 has begun to return to its biased position into the socket R1. The trigger 10 in... Figure 80 It is located at its highest point. Figure 81 In the middle, trigger 10 starts entering and returning to socket R1. Figure 83 Currently in Figure 58 The stages seen in the text.

[0257] The geometry of the lug 8 and the driver 11 at the connection area 19 should allow the connection area 19 to slide off the lug 8 when the retainer 6 is at or near its range of rotation, the range of rotation corresponding to substantially away from the socket R1. If the lug 8 has excessive undercut shape, the lug 8 may prevent the trigger from moving upward via the pin.

[0258] In many embodiments, the lug 8 is shown as integral with or attached to the retainer 6. However, it is conceivable that the lug 8 or other connecting features are separate from or distanced from the retainer 6, for example, attached to the rotation axis of the retainer 6. The lug 8 can still be integral with the retainer 6, since the retainer 6 can also be integrally formed with its rotation axis.

[0259] The position and shape of the trigger region 25 relative to the operating region of the retainer 6 are also important. When pin P1 leaves socket R1, as... Figures 73 to 83As seen in the diagram, pin P1 should contact trigger area 25 on its forward surface, and then, after pin P1 has advanced sufficiently outward from socket R1, allow retainer 6 to rotate back into socket R1. Retainer 6 should be shaped and / or positioned to not contact the forward surface of pin P1 to prevent further advancement of pin P1 from socket R1. Ideally, as pin P1 advances from socket R1, retainer 6 can contact pin P1 through its back surface.

[0260] Alternative embodiments In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the engagement region 19 of the actuator 11 may be a rack-type feature. A complementary rack, surface, or gear for achieving a function similar to lug 8 is located on or integrated with the retainer 6. The linear action of the actuator moves the rack engagement region back and forth to drive the rack on the retainer 6 when engaged with the engagement region. A trigger may still act on this gear linear actuator to disengage and engage the gear actuator with the retainer 6. A disadvantage of the gear system is that the teeth of the gear system may wear faster than those of a single surface engagement, or debris may inhibit function.

[0261] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the engagement area of ​​the actuator may be a rack or gear that performs a function similar to a lug, but is driven by a rotatably driven actuator. That is, the actuator does not have linear action but instead has a rotatably driven gear with teeth to act as an engagement area for engaging similar teeth on the retainer 6. A trigger may still act on this gear-rotating actuator to engage and disengage the gear actuator from the retainer 6. Engagement and disengagement may take the form of mechanical disengagement or hydraulic / electrically driven disengagement. The gear actuator may be located at the end of a pivoting lever, and when triggered, lifts the lever to disengage the gear actuator from the gear of the retainer 6. In an alternative embodiment, the gear actuator may have a hydraulic disengagement, allowing the gear actuator to rotate freely upon disengagement to allow the retainer 6 to be biased back to its channel-blocked position. In yet another alternative embodiment of this alternative embodiment, the actuator may be torsionally biased to rotate in the opposite direction to rotate the retainer 6 back to its blockage position, rather than the retainer being torsionalally biased. Alternatively, both the driver and the retainer can be torsionally biased such that they are biased to rotate back to their starting position. In this embodiment, the driver may not be a full gear; it may be a segment / periphery of teeth between chords that rotate about a shared pivot axis.

[0262] However, in other embodiments, some of which are shown in the figures and described herein, the engagement region 19 and lug 8 are not gear interfaces. The engagement region 19 and lug 8 have sliding, sliding, abutment, and / or single surface engagement. Compared to gears or more complex or other systems, the advantages of such a system can be reduced wear, reduced chance of debris trapping, and / or reduced manufacturing tolerances. This can also be used for engagement of the retainer 6 or lug 8 with the guide surface 8 (where engagement is present).

[0263] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the engagement region 19 is a shaft or axle that shares a rotational axis with one or more retainers 6. The axle is driven directly or indirectly by a driver of, for example, a hydraulic or electric motor. Rotating the retainers 6 to move them from the blocked position to the raised position is achieved by driving the motor to drive the axle to rotate and drive the retainers 6. To allow the motor to engage with the retainers 6, a trigger system would need to trigger a) the motor drive, i.e., a hydraulic or electrical disconnect to allow the motor to rotate freely to release the retainers 6 from their raised position, or b) a mechanical trigger capable of disconnecting the motor from the retainers to allow the retainers 6 to be biased back to their blocked position.

[0264] In alternative embodiments, such as Figure 84 As shown, guide surface 28 is now located below protrusion 48. Guide surface 20 does not interact with retainer 6 or lug 8. Instead, after the actuator 10 has been fully extended and triggered upward to disengage, spring latch system 50 is able to hold the actuator 10 and prevent the actuator 10 from engaging with lug 8 of retainer 6. This allows retainer 6 to rotatably return to its blocked position in the channel without re-engaging or contacting the actuator 10 until the retainer moves back to its first position. When triggered by trigger 11, the actuator 10 is pushed above latch 51 of spring latch system 50. Once a portion of the actuator 10 (protrusion 48 in this embodiment) is above latch 51, the actuator 10 is prevented from biasing downward to contact retainer 6. As the actuator 10 retracts, the protrusion slides off latch 51 to allow the actuator 10 to rotatably bias back to its original position. When the driver 10 is driven upward by the trigger 11, the spring 52 of the spring latch system 50 allows the latch 51 to slide a certain distance below the guide surface 28. The driver rising and then being held by the latch 51 allows the retainer to rotate freely without interacting with the driver.

[0265] exist Figure 84In an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the illustrated example, the driver 10 may be guided by a path or a slot. When the driver extends to drive the retainer 6 to its raised position, the driver follows a first extension path. When the driver is triggered upwards, it enters a return path, and when the driver retracts, it follows the return path. When the retainer 6 returns to its blocked position, the return path prevents interaction between the driver 10 and the retainer 6. Therefore, the guide surface 28 does not interact with the retainer 6 or the lug 8. Alternatively, the guide surface 28 is part of a slot fixed relative to the body of the connector, and the engagement surface 28 engages with a portion of the driver 10.

[0266] Version 4 trigger Now for reference Figures 85 to 90 The trigger mechanism of the holding system (also referred to herein as version 4) is described. Version 4 of the holding system differs from some other versions in that it has a trigger that can be linearly translated relative to the connector body. As the trigger 10 translates relative to the connector, the trigger 10 can also carry the driver 11. The driver 11 can be carried by the trigger 10 and can move between a holding position 6a and a non-holding or retracted position 6B.

[0267] The driver 11 can be configured to translate to move the retainer 6 from its holding position 6a ( Figure 85 ) Push / drive to the retracted position 6b ( Figure 88 ).exist Figures 85 to 87 The image shows a connector C having a front socket R1 with a front pin P1 aligned within it. Figures 88 to 90 This shows that the allowable pin P1 can be removed from the connector by being actuated to the release position 6b via the retainer 6. Trigger 10 is connected via... Figure 88 and Figure 89 The subsequent disengagement of pin P1 as shown causes retainer 6 to move back to its holding position 6a, as... Figure 90 As shown in the image.

[0268] The driver actuator 9 and driver 11 can be configured to, for example Figure 85The actuation direction X shown extends / acts between positions 11A and 11B. The actuation direction X is generally orthogonal to both the linear trigger direction Y and the rotary retainer axis 15. In one embodiment, the driver actuator 9 is configured to releasably engage with the driver 11. In one embodiment, the releasable engagement does not connect the driver 11 and the plunger 9 together, but may be the abutment of the end 9c of the plunger 9 to the surface 11c of the driver 11. Preferably, the engagement only allows the plunger 9 to push the driver 11 toward the lug 8 and does not allow the plunger 9 to retract from the driver 11. Preferably, the abutment between the end 9c and the surface 11c allows the surface 11c to slide relative to the end 9c in the trigger direction Y. The engagement may be referred to as a sliding engagement, or a slidingly engaged or adjacently engaged.

[0269] The actuator 11 may include a guide structure (not shown) at the surface 11c, wherein the end 9c is thus able to be held laterally with the actuator 11 to some extent. The guide structure may be a channel or a groove, and similarly, the end 9c may have a complementary shape configuration.

[0270] As with other trigger versions, the driver actuator 9 can be any of the driver actuators 9 described in this specification.

[0271] Version 5 trigger Figures 91 to 94 Another embodiment of the trigger mechanism (also referred to herein as version 5) is shown, illustrating a holding system similar to version 4, except that the driver 11 can be detached from the driver actuator 9. This allows the driver 11 to move back to position 11A (as shown in the image). Figure 93 As shown in the diagram, the actuator 9 does not need to move from position 9B back to position 9A. Therefore, the retainer 6 can be separated from the actuator 9 without the actuator 9 needing to move back to position 9A in the release actuation direction X.

[0272] The advantage of the version 5 trigger mechanism over the version 4 trigger mechanism is that once the trigger 10 has been raised by the pin and the retainer 6 has been engaged with the driver 11, the trigger 10 cannot fall back to position 10A (i.e., to "relock") until the driver actuator 9 has moved back to the deactivated position 9A.

[0273] In the case of trigger mechanism version 4, it is preferable that the retainer 6 is over-rotated to a position that cannot be achieved by pushing the trigger 10 with pin P1, and this prevents the system from "relocking," i.e., the trigger falling into the socket R1. Version 5 would ideally eliminate the need for over-rotating the retainer 6.

[0274] Figure 9A trigger version 5 is shown, which has a universal driver actuator 9 that may not be a hydraulic actuator.

[0275] Hydraulic circuit for version 1 driver actuator Another advantage offered by the standard excavator system compared to hydraulic systems is that the standard 4 / 2 valves on most excavators can be used with the current system without any modifications. Figure 52 The diagram shows a hydraulic system for actuator version 9, with a standard 4 / 2 valve 41 schematically shown. The connector hydraulic system 42, supplied with connector C, is shown as having a retainer 3 hydraulic plunger 40 and a retainer 6 hydraulic plunger 9. The RETRACT and EXTEND lines are illustrated; they correspond to the hydraulic line that operates the retraction of plunger 40 when pressurized and the hydraulic line that operates the extension of plunger 40 when pressurized, respectively.

[0276] In modern machines, hydraulic system pressure may drop (sometimes rapidly) to save fuel. This can cause problems with the retraction and extension of the hydraulic plunger 9, which indirectly actuates the retainer 6. This is because if the pressure is insufficient during the unlocking of the front pin P1, the hydraulic plunger 9 may retract before it can fully extend to completely unlock the socket R1 by rotating the retainer 6 from the opening of the socket R1.

[0277] Adding a pilot check valve 44 improves the system's usability with this modern machine. Adding a pilot check valve 44 to all systems is not required.

[0278] Figure 53 An example of a hydraulic circuit with a pilot check valve 44 for the hydraulic plunger 9 is shown. During the retraction (unlocking) process, the pilot check valve 44 prevents the hydraulic plunger 9 from retracting, or at least reduces the retraction speed or rate. This is achieved by supplying the hydraulic plunger 9 from the RETRACT line through the intermediate check valve 44 to prevent fluid from returning from the hydraulic plunger 9 to the RETRACT line in the event of a decrease in fluid pressure in the RETRACT line.

[0279] A side effect of check valve 44 is that hydraulic plunger 9 subsequently fails to retract. This is addressed by having guide line 47, extending from the "high" pressure EXTEND line to the guide check valve 44, open the guide check valve 44 during operation of the EXTEND circuit. When high pressure is supplied through the EXTEND circuit, the guide check valve 44 opens to allow fluid to flow into the low-pressure (RETRACT) line, returning to the TANK. Hydraulic plunger 9 retracts due to spring bias from spring 31. Alternatively, guide line 47 can be supplied from other areas of the EXTEND circuit, such as after pilot valve 45 and before or after plunger 40.

[0280] The hydraulic plunger 40 may also have a corresponding pilot check valve 46 to prevent the retainer 3 and the hydraulic plunger 40 from retracting when the connector is in the locked position, and there is no high pressure from the EXTEND line. A side effect of the check valve 45 is that the hydraulic plunger 40 subsequently fails to retract. To solve this problem, the pilot check valve 46 has a corresponding guide line 46 to open the pilot check valve 46. The guide line 46 is supplied from the RETRACT line.

[0281] When pressure is driven through the EXTEND line, the hydraulic plunger 40 extends. When pressure is released or reduced from the EXTEND line, the hydraulic plunger 40 is prevented or limited from retracting due to the guided check valve 44. This is an ideal safety feature where the retainer 3 (attached to the hydraulic plunger 40) does not retract (and open passage P) unless pressure is applied to the RETRACT line by the user.

[0282] It is conceivable that there are many ways to configure a hydraulic circuit so that it can be used with a standard 4 / 2 valve, while still including the benefits described above.

[0283] Other versions of the driver actuator 9 Like the trigger mechanism, the driver actuator 9 can also be modified for different applications while still allowing the system to operate correctly. Four driver actuators 9 are described in this specification.

[0284] Driver version 1: such as Figures 32 to 37 , Figure 49 , Figures 52 to 84 As shown Driver version 2: such as Figures 95 to 99 As shown Driver version 3: such as Figures 100 to 104 As shown Driver version 4: such as Figures 105 to 106 As shown Driver version 5: such as Figure 107 As shown In other embodiments, the actuator 11 may not be actuated by a hydraulic plunger actuator hydraulically connected to a hydraulic circuit that is also capable of actuating the hydraulic plunger 40 (e.g., Figure 52 and Figure 53(As shown in the diagram). Alternatively, the actuator 11 is actuated by another component, such as a mechanical or hydraulic component attached to the hydraulic plunger 40. This can have the following benefits: for example, reducing the number of connected hydraulic plungers; reducing the number of parts; increasing reliability; and / or reducing complexity. Any of the previous holding systems and trigger / trigger mechanisms can use any of the actuators 9 described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the holding systems described herein can be modified to utilize the described actuator 9.

[0285] Driver version 2 of the driver actuator In such Figures 95 to 99 In one embodiment shown (driver version 2), the driver actuator 9 is mechanically actuated via a hydraulic plunger 40 that drives the second retainer 3, for example, by a pushrod-type system. When engaged with the hydraulic plunger 40, the driver actuator 9 can be between an actuated position 9A and a retracted position 9B. However, the driver actuator 9 can be actuated by either the hydraulic plunger 40 or the second retainer 3.

[0286] As can be seen from the figure, there is preferably a freewheel between the hydraulic plunger 40 and the driver actuator 9. Figure 95 The diagram shows the hydraulic plunger 40 fully extended, yet the drive actuator 9 has stopped at position 9a – a position where the drive actuator is not engaged with the hydraulic plunger 40. Figure 95 It is also shown that the drive actuator 9 includes a stop that engages with a complementary stop on the connector or hydraulic plunger 40, as indicated by arrow 9a.

[0287] Figure 96 The diagram shows the position where the hydraulic plunger 40 engages with the actuator 9 to initiate actuation of the actuator 9. In one embodiment, engagement is a simple abutment engagement between two complementary surfaces on each of the actuator 9 and the hydraulic plunger 40.

[0288] Preferably, the actuator 9 is supported in the connector body C by at least a slot 80. The actuator 9 translates relative to the connector body along the slot 80. Preferably, the actuator 9 moves in an actuation direction X, which is orthogonal to the retainer axis 15 and, in this embodiment, parallel to the actuation / de-actuation direction of the hydraulic plunger 40. However, in other embodiments, it is envisioned that the actuator can translate at an angle to the hydraulic plunger 40.

[0289] Preferably, in this embodiment, the driver 11 can be slidably translated relative to the connector body between positions 11A and 11B, and rotated relative to the connector body. This is functionally almost identical to version 1 of the retaining system. Similar to other systems, the retainer 6 can be disconnected from the driver actuator 9 via the disconnection of the driver 11 from the retainer 6.

[0290] Preferably, the connector includes a stop associated with positions 9A and 9B of the driver actuator 9. The stop associated with position 9B is composed of... Figure 97 Arrow 9B is indicated in the diagram. Preferably, except for the idle phase, the translation of the actuator 9 is proportional to the translation of the hydraulic plunger 40. The actuation of the hydraulic plunger 40, as it extends to extend the retainer 3 to capture pin P2, also allows the actuator 9 to extend back to its 9A position via the spring bias 31. Therefore, the actuator 9 moves almost entirely dependent on the hydraulic plunger 40; however, there is no hydraulic connection between the two systems.

[0291] Preferably, the driver actuator 9 is biased by a spring 31, which biases the driver actuator 9 to move the driver to a holding position 11A, such as... Figure 97 As shown in the diagram. Position 11A is the position that allows the retainer 6 to be in channel blocking position 6A. Figure 97 The actuator 9 is shown as it begins to actuate and lifts the retainer. Figure 98 The fully raised retainer 6 is shown, and this also relates to the actuation range of the hydraulic plunger 40 and the drive actuator 9. Figure 99 The pin is shown to leave the channel after disengaging from trigger 10, and retainer 6 is disengaged from actuator 11, so it can be biased downward back into the channel. Once the operator actuates hydraulic plunger 40 to extend retainer 3 again, actuator 9 can reset back to position 9A and also re-engage with actuator 11.

[0292] Driver version 3 of the driver actuator exist Figures 100 to 104 A third version of the mechanical actuator 9, similar to version 2, is shown. Here, the actuator again functions as a rigid arm acting as a push rod, extending between the hydraulic plunger 40 and the actuator 11. Similar to the previous embodiment shown, there is also a freewheeling motion between the hydraulic plunger 40 and the actuator 9. Figure 100 and Figure 101 This shows the portion of the hydraulic plunger 40 that travels a distance that does not affect the actuator 9. Figure 101 At this location, the actuator 9 is actuated by the hydraulic plunger 40 or the retainer 3 to drive the actuator 9 from its position 9A to its position 9B, as... Figure 102 As shown in the image. Figure 103 Pin P1 is shown, which exits from socket R1 to move trigger 10, which will disengage driver 11 from retainer 6. Figure 104 The retainer 6 is shown completely disconnected from the drive 11.

[0293] In version 3, similar to the previous version 2, the actuator 9 is permanently connected to the actuator 11 via a rotatable connection. It is conceivable that a permanent connection is not necessary and a detachable connection can be used. In this embodiment, since the actuator 9 is angled to the hydraulic plunger 40, there is an abutment / sliding connection F between the hydraulic plunger 40 and the actuator 9. Therefore, the actuator 9 includes a bias that biases the actuator in the release actuation direction X, i.e., a spring bias 31 or similar, such as... Figure 104 As shown in the image.

[0294] Other embodiments of the actuator 9 are possible, wherein the actuator 9 arm is a telescopic arm comprising internal or external springs / air springs. The actuator 9 may always be in contact with the hydraulic plunger 40, and idling will be achieved by the spring winding in the stack until the spring reaches a specific critical compression point that will subsequently allow the arm to drive the actuator 11. This embodiment is not shown.

[0295] Driver version 4 of the driver actuator exist Figure 105 and Figure 106 The diagram shows a fourth version of the actuator 9. For clarity, these figures are simplified. In this embodiment, the actuator 9 is a combination of two hydraulically connected plungers. A first hydraulic plunger 71 is configured to actuate the actuator 11 (not shown) to drive the retainer 6. The first plunger 71 is hydraulically connected via a hydraulic line 70 to a second hydraulic plunger 72, which can be driven by a hydraulic actuator 40 that drives the retainer 3. There is no hydraulic connection between the hydraulic actuator 40 and the actuator 9. Figure 105 In the first position shown, retainer 3 is in an extended position to block the passage of the second socket R2. In this position, the mechanism of, for example, arm 73 or the linkage of the actuator 9, does not engage the second plunger 72. When the hydraulic actuator 40 retracts to retract retainer 3, the mechanism or arm 73 connected to the hydraulic actuator 40 or retainer 3 retracts rearward to engage the second plunger 72. The second plunger 72 is then inserted by arm 73 to hydraulically actuate the first plunger 71, thereby actuating the actuator and retainer 6, as shown. Figure 106 As shown in the image.

[0296] In this system, the drive actuator 9 is hydraulically independent of the hydraulic actuator 40, and the system does not share any fluid. The drive actuator 9 does not include the hydraulic pump 9, and the fluid is stored within the system.

[0297] As previously described, a similar pneumatic system can be used, wherein the stroke of the retainer 3 is greater than the stroke required to insert the second plunger 72 of the actuator 9. Preferably, the first and second hydraulic plungers of the actuator 9 have different sizes, which will be appropriately configured for the stroke and power required to drive the actuator and retainer 6. As mentioned above, the system can also utilize bias to retract the first plunger 71.

[0298] This system can be modified and altered in various ways, such as how the second plunger 72 is actuated by the hydraulic actuator 40. Those skilled in the art will recognize the underlying concepts behind this system and will thus be able to determine the details. Version 4 of the drive actuator may be preferred for larger couplers where the distance between the retainer 3 and the hydraulic actuator 40 is further away from the retainer 6. In smaller couplers, versions 2 and 3 of the drive actuator 9 may be more suitable.

[0299] Driver version 5 of the driver actuator exist Figure 107 The figure shows a fifth version of the driver actuator 9. This figure is simplified for clarity, and the trigger mechanism / holding system is not shown. The trigger mechanism can be any of the trigger mechanisms described herein. Version 5 of the driver actuator 9 is similar to the pushrod style of versions 2 and 3; however, in version 5, the pushrod 82 is driven by a cam-type system 81. One or more cams 81 may be present, directly or indirectly driven by a hydraulic plunger 40 or a retainer 3. In a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic plunger 40 (in place of the retainer 3) actuates the cam 81 when the retainer 3 is closer to the front socket 1 holding system. The cam 81 can then directly or indirectly drive the driver 11 (in... Figure 107 (Not shown in the image).

[0300] In a preferred embodiment, cam 81 drives follower 83 of push rod 82. Push rod 82, in turn, drives driver 11. Cam 81 also has a follower 86 complementary to a driver abutment 87 on hydraulic plunger 40. Abutment 87 can engage with follower 86 to rotate cam 81.

[0301] Cam 81 is spring-biased by spring 85 to rotate in the direction that causes the cam to follow hydraulic plunger 40, and also allows push rod 82 to move in the direction X that allows the retainer to move to its holding position 6A. Rotation of cam 81 may be limited by a stop 88 to prevent cam 81 from over-rotating and following hydraulic plunger 40 too far. Rotation of cam 81 is about its cam rotation axis 87. Preferably, rotation axis 87 is orthogonal to the actuation direction X of hydraulic plunger 40 and / or the movement direction of push rod 82.

[0302] The actuator 9 may include a cam 81, or the cam may allow modification of the translational rate of the actuator 9 such that it is proportional to the movement rate of the hydraulic plunger 40. The cam shape may also incorporate idling between the hydraulic plunger 40 and the actuator 9 push rod. This idling is achieved using a cam 81 having a portion 89 that does not extend the cam periphery 88 of the actuator 9 push rod when the cam 81 rotates.

[0303] Alternatively or in combination, the driver actuator 9 may include a stop to prevent the cam from following the hydraulic plunger 40 in certain positions.

[0304] As with other versions, the biased push rod 82 (possibly spring-loaded) is used to keep the follower 83 engaged with the cam 81. Figure 107 Spring 84 is shown, which holds the follower 83 of the actuator push rod 82 engaged with the cam 81. Spring 85 holds the actuator biased in the actuator retracted 9A position, as... Figure 107 As shown in the image.

[0305] Other possible biases in any version include hydraulic damping, such as air or other compressible gases, and biasing to expand in volume to push or extend the actuator 9. Similarly, resilient stops or configurations may also be used. In other embodiments, the actuator 9 or other features may rely on gravity to move back to the neutral position.

[0306] The system is shown in a simplified side view in the diagram. Versions may include multiple features among those described, but these features are arranged side-by-side. For example, in a larger connector, there may be multiple driver actuators 9.

[0307] Other details In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the holding system may not include the driver 11, but may instead have a configuration that allows the trigger 10 to directly engage and disengage the driver actuator 9 from the retainer 6. This would mean that the driver actuator would be configured to pivot or similarly allow disengagement from the retainer 6 / lug 8.

[0308] In some embodiments, sound can be emitted via speaker 43 when the operator enters a specific mode. In a preferred embodiment, such as... Figure 52 As shown, a locking switch 44 is also present. When switch 44 is activated by the operator, the coupling hydraulic system can be used. In a preferred embodiment, a buzzer 43 sounds simultaneously with the activation of switch 44. In this preferred embodiment, without activating switch 44, neither pin P1 nor P2 may be accidentally released, which would allow the hydraulic system to operate to release either retainer 3 or 6.

[0309] In the preceding description, references were made to elements or wholes having known equivalents, which are included as if they were described separately.

[0310] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0311] Furthermore, the present invention provides the following embodiments: Embodiment 1. A connector for securing an attachment to an earthmoving machine, the connector comprising a connector body presenting a socket, the socket including an opening through which a pin of the attachment is passable to move through a channel of the socket to a restricted area of ​​the socket, the channel of the socket being capable of being blocked to prevent the pin from moving out of the restricted area by a retainer, the retainer being movably presented from the connector body and biased relative to the connector body to a first position of channel closure, at the first position, the retainer preventing the pin from moving out of the restricted area and being capable of moving the retainer to a second position relative to the channel to allow: (i) By forcing the pin against the retainer to resist its biased movement toward the second position, the pin enters the restricted area; and (ii) The pin is disengaged from the restricted area by a driver capable of moving relative to the connector body, to (a) engage with the retainer to allow the retainer to be moved by the driver to its second position, and to (b) disengage from the retainer, thereby preventing the driver from controlling the retainer position between its first and second positions. The connector further includes a trigger that is movable relative to the connector body in an engaged manner and is movable by the pin as the pin moves through the channel, such that the trigger is able to disengage the driver from the retainer when moved by the pin.

[0312] Implementation 2. The connector according to Implementation 1, wherein the trigger is capable of disengaging the retainer and driver of the connection, such that the retainer can move to its first position under the influence of a bias when it is not in its first position.

[0313] Implementation 3. The connector according to Implementation 1, wherein the trigger enables the retainer and driver of the connection to move relative to each other to disengage, such that the driver does not prevent the retainer from moving to its first position.

[0314] Embodiment 4. The connector according to Embodiment 1, wherein the driver is movable between a connected state and a disconnected state by a driver actuator.

[0315] Embodiment 5. The connector according to Embodiment 1, wherein the retainer is mounted to move in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the body about a retainer rotation axis.

[0316] Embodiment 6. The connector according to Embodiment 1, wherein the driver is coupled to a driver actuator to move the driver in a manner capable of moving the retainer.

[0317] Embodiment 7. The connector according to Embodiment 6, wherein when actuated, the driver actuator is capable of moving the driver in the actuation direction to move the retainer to its second position or toward its second position when the driver is coupled to the retainer.

[0318] Embodiment 8. The connector according to Embodiment 5, wherein the trigger is mounted relative to the body to translate in a trigger direction relative to the body and orthogonal to the rotation axis of the retainer.

[0319] Embodiment 9. The connector according to Embodiment 6, wherein the driver is configured to lose contact or disconnect from the driver actuator.

[0320] Embodiment 10. The connector according to Embodiment 1, wherein the connector body provides a second socket at a location remote from the first mentioned socket, the second socket being provided to receive and retain a second pin of the accessory.

[0321] Embodiment 11. The connector according to Embodiment 10, wherein a second socket is provided, and the second socket is capable of retaining the second pin of the accessory when the first socket holds the first pin, and / or the second socket is capable of retaining the second pin of the accessory when the first socket does not have the first pin here.

[0322] Embodiment 12. The connector according to Embodiment 11, wherein a second retainer is provided, the second retainer being positioned by the connector body in a certain way to move between a first position and a second position of the second retainer, wherein in the first position the second retainer prevents the second pin located in the second socket from being dislodged from the second socket, and in the second position the second retainer is capable of releasing the retained second pin from the second socket.

[0323] Embodiment 13. The connector according to Embodiment 12, wherein the second retainer is actuated by a second retainer actuator to move between the first position and the second position.

[0324] Embodiment 14. The connector according to Embodiment 12, wherein the second retainer actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

[0325] Embodiment 15. The connector according to Embodiment 12, wherein the driver actuator is directly or indirectly actuated by the second retainer actuator.

[0326] Embodiment 16. The connector according to Embodiment 15, wherein the driver actuator is not self-powered.

[0327] Embodiment 17. The connector according to Embodiment 15, wherein the driver actuator is configured to be engaged by the second retainer actuator or the second retainer when the second retainer actuator or the second retainer is retracted to the engaged position, and once in or beyond the engaged position, the push rod moves together with the second retainer actuator or the second retainer to simultaneously move the driver.

[0328] Embodiment 18. The connector according to Embodiment 6, wherein the drive actuator is a combination of a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator that are hydraulically connected together.

[0329] Embodiment 19. The connector according to Embodiment 18, wherein the driver actuator includes an arm driven by the second retainer or the second retainer actuator, and the arm hydraulically drives the first hydraulic actuator and thus drives the second hydraulic actuator, which in turn drives the driver.

[0330] Embodiment 20. A connector for securing an attachment to an earthmoving machine, the connector comprising a connector body presenting a socket, the socket including an opening through which a pin of the attachment is passable to move through a channel of the socket to a restricted area of ​​the socket, the channel of the socket being capable of being blocked to prevent the pin from moving out of the restricted area by a retainer, the retainer being movably presented from the connector body and biased relative to the connector body to a first position of channel closure, at the first position, the retainer preventing the pin from moving out of the restricted area and being capable of moving the retainer to a second position relative to the channel to allow: (i) By forcing the pin against the retainer to resist its biased movement toward the second position, the pin enters the restricted area; and (ii) The pin is disengaged from the restricted area by a driver capable of moving relative to the connector body, to (a) engage with the retainer to allow the retainer to be moved by the driver to its second position, and to (b) disengage from the retainer, thereby preventing the driver from controlling the retainer position between its first and second positions. The connector further includes a trigger capable of translating in an engaged manner relative to the connector body and by means of the pin as the pin moves through the channel, such that the trigger is capable of disengaging the driver from the retainer when moved by the pin, wherein the driver is carried by the trigger.

Claims

1. A connector for securing an attachment to an earthmoving machine, the connector comprising a connector body including a first socket having an opening, a first pin of the attachment being passable through the opening to move through a channel of the first socket to a restricted area of ​​the first socket, the channel of the first socket being capable of being blocked to prevent the first pin from moving out of the restricted area by a retainer, the retainer being movably emanating from and relative to the connector body, the retainer being biased to a first position where the channel is blocked, at the first position, the retainer preventing the first pin from moving out of the restricted area and being capable of moving the retainer to a second position relative to the channel to allow: (i) By forcing the first pin against the retainer to resist biased movement of the retainer toward the second position, the first pin is brought into the restricted area; and (ii) The first pin is disengaged from the restricted area by a driver capable of moving relative to the connector body, to (a) engage with the retainer, thereby allowing the retainer to be moved by the driver to a second position of the retainer, and (b) disengage from the retainer, thereby preventing the driver from controlling the movement of the retainer between the first and second positions of the retainer. in, The driver is coupled to or can engage with a driver actuator to move the driver in a manner that allows it to move the retainer. The connector body provides a second socket at a location away from the first socket, the second socket being provided to receive and retain a second pin of the accessory while the first pin is held in the first socket. The connector includes a second retainer movable relative to the connector body between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the retainer prevents the second pin located in the second socket from dislodging from the second socket. In the second position, the retained second pin is released from the second socket. The second retainer is actuated by a second retainer actuator to move between a first position and a second position of the second retainer. The driver actuator is directly or indirectly actuated by the second retainer actuator, and The driver actuator is configured to be engaged by the second retainer actuator or the second retainer when the second retainer actuator or the second retainer retracts to the engaged position, and once the engaged position is exceeded, the driver actuator moves at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the second retainer actuator, such that the driver actuator moves the driver simultaneously.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, When the second retainer actuator or the second retainer is in or beyond the engagement position, the engagement between the driver actuator and the second retainer actuator or the second retainer includes the surface of the second retainer actuator or the second retainer abutting against the driver actuator.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, When the second retainer actuator or the second retainer exceeds the engagement position, the second retainer actuator and the driver actuator move at different speeds.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The driver actuator includes a push rod.

5. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The driver actuator includes a cam.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector further includes a trigger that is movable relative to the connector body in an engaged manner and is movable by the first pin as the first pin moves through the channel, such that the trigger is able to disengage the driver from the retainer when thus moved by the first pin.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The trigger can disconnect the connected retainer and driver, allowing the retainer to move to the first position of the retainer under the influence of bias when it is not in the first position of the retainer.

8. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The trigger enables the coupled retainer and driver to move relative to each other to disengage, such that the driver does not prevent the retainer from moving to the first position of the retainer.

9. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The retainer is mounted to move in a manner that allows it to rotate about the retainer's rotation axis relative to the connector body.

10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The second retainer actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

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