Trailer for coupling to a hydraulic excavator equipped with a quick changer

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer (2) for coupling to an excavator (1) equipped with a hydraulic quick changer (10), wherein the trailer (2) comprises a chassis (17) with wheels (18) and at least one trailer part (21) arranged at the chassis (17) in an adjustable manner by means of an adjusting element (20). According to the invention, an adapter (22) designed for coupling with the quick changer (10) is arranged at the trailer (2), the adapter having at least one second coupling element (49) for supplying and actuating the adjusting element (20) from the excavator (1), the second coupling element being designed to engage with a first coupling element (42) at the quick changer (10) when the quick changer (10) is coupled to the adapter (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a trailer for attachment to an excavator equipped with a hydraulic quick-change device. Furthermore, this invention relates to an engineering equipment assembly comprising an excavator and a trailer of this type. Background Technology

[0002] For simple and quick replacement of attachments, most modern excavators are equipped with hydraulically operated quick-change devices. With this type of quick-change device, attachments such as rotary buckets, grapples, shears, compactors, magnets, hydraulic hammers, or other attachments can be engaged or disengaged from the cab, for example, at the excavator's trailer, within seconds and with high safety standards. This type of quick-change device is known from German patent document DE102018115949A1. This quick-change device includes a bracket that can be fastened to the excavator's boom / arm, having a first receiving portion on one side and a second receiving portion on the other. The first receiving portion has a locking device movable between an unlocked position and a locked position for securing a first connecting element disposed at the attachment. The second receiving portion is used to secure a second connecting element spaced apart from the first connecting element. The locking device includes a locking element designed as a locking bolt, which can be moved between an unlocked position for disconnecting or engaging the attachment and a locked position for securing the attachment by a hydraulically movable operating element, also known as an H-cylinder. To ensure the supply and control of the attachment device using hydraulic or electric energy in this type of quick-change device, a hydraulic coupling element is provided at the hydraulically movable operating element of the quick-change device on the excavator side for engaging with a corresponding mating element on the attachment device, and an electrical coupling element is also provided if necessary. The coupling element at the quick-change device works in conjunction with the mating element on the attachment device side such that when the locking element moves to its locked position, engagement between the coupling element at the quick-change device and the mating element at the attachment device is simultaneously completed. Thus, the attachment device connected to the quick-change device can receive, for example, hydraulic energy, and if necessary, pneumatic and / or electric energy, and can be controlled from the excavator end.

[0003] When using this type of excavator on a construction site, a trailer is usually required for transporting excavated soil or attaching devices. Typically, the trailer is moved by a separate tractor. However, to keep the trailer at least within the construction site, it can also be attached to the excavator and operated by the excavator. But because these trailers often also have hydraulically, pneumatically, and / or electrically operated components, such as hydraulically or pneumatically tilting loading platforms, hydraulically operated sidewalls, or electrical control or display elements, a separate power supply coupling and a complex control system must be installed at the excavator. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a trailer and an engineering equipment combination including an excavator and such a trailer, which enables automatic operation and control of the hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electrical regulating elements of the trailer from the excavator end without additional control costs.

[0005] This objective is achieved by combining a trailer having the features of claim 1 and an engineering device having the features of claim 10. Advantageous inventive designs are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The trailer according to the invention is designed for connection to an excavator equipped with a hydraulic quick-change device. The trailer includes a chassis with wheels and at least one trailer section arranged on the chassis in an adjustable manner by means of an adjusting element. An adapter designed for connection to the quick-change device is arranged at the trailer, the adapter having at least one second connecting element for supplying and operating the adjusting element from the excavator end. The second connecting element is designed to engage with a first connecting element at the quick-change device when the quick-change device is connected to the adapter. Through corresponding connecting elements at the adapter on the trailer side and the quick-change device on the excavator side, when the quick-change device on the excavator side is connected to the adapter on the trailer side, a connection can be established between the excavator and the trailer, for example hydraulically, pneumatically, or possibly electrically, to drive or operate the hydraulically or electrically operated trailer section. Therefore, a quick-change device, typically used for automatically changing attachments, can also be used to operate the adjusting element located at the trailer without requiring complex modifications or alterations to the excavator. At the excavator, it is not necessary to have a separate coupling or connection device with the necessary control mechanism.

[0007] In one feasible design, the adjustable trailer section can be a tumbler-mounted loading bucket or loading platform on the chassis, and the adjusting element can be an adjusting cylinder located between the chassis and the loading bucket or loading platform. However, the trailer can also have foldable sidewalls or other adjustable components that can be operated from the excavator end via corresponding adjusting elements.

[0008] Suitably, at least one connecting element located at the adapter can be connected to the regulating element via a supply line. The hydraulic supply line can be a hose connection or a fixed pipe connection. Depending on the application, at least one second connecting element located at the adapter can be designed as a hydraulic or electrical quick-connect plug.

[0009] To operate and drive multiple trailer sections, multiple second coupling elements designed to engage with the first coupling element at the quick-change unit can also be arranged at the adapter. These second coupling elements can be hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric.

[0010] For mechanical connection between the quick-change unit and the adapter, the adapter suitably includes a first connecting element in the form of a bolt or shaft designed to engage with a first receiving portion of the quick-change unit and a second connecting element in the form of a bolt or shaft designed to engage with a second receiving portion of the quick-change unit.

[0011] In another suitable embodiment, at least one second connecting element disposed at the adapter can be held at the second connecting element of the adapter by a connecting element bracket.

[0012] To minimize interference between the quick-change unit on the excavator side and the adapter on the trailer side during connection, the adapter is preferably mounted on the trailer drawbar. For example, the adapter can be directly fastened to the trailer drawbar or secured via shock-absorbing elements. However, the adapter can also be mounted at other suitable locations on the trailer. That is, the adapter can be mounted, for example, on the chassis. The adapter can also be suspended from the trailer body (e.g., at a bracket) and, if necessary, locked by manually or hydraulically operated bolts. Therefore, the adapter is not fixed to the trailer during operation, significantly improving the excavator's mobility.

[0013] The present invention also relates to an engineering equipment assembly comprising an excavator equipped with a hydraulic quick-change device and a trailer attached to the excavator, the trailer being designed as described above.

[0014] The quick-change adapter can be secured to the excavator's stick via a rotation and oscillation mechanism. However, the quick-change adapter can also be installed directly or solely on the excavator's stick via a rotation mechanism.

[0015] To connect the trailer to the excavator, a trailer coupling for the trailer can be conveniently located on the excavator's height-adjustable front skid plate. However, the trailer can also be mechanically connected to the excavator via a quick-change adapter. In this case, a separate coupling is not required at the excavator. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic side view shows a combination of engineering equipment including an excavator and a trailer attached to the excavator; Figure 2An enlarged partial cross-sectional view shows the connection between the quick changer located on the excavator and the adapter located on the trailer; Figure 3 The quick changer, arranged at the excavator stick by means of a rotating and oscillating mechanism, is shown in the view below. Figure 4 A trailer with an adapter is shown; and Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the adapters located at the trailer. Detailed Implementation

[0017] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an engineering equipment assembly including an excavator 1 and a trailer 2 attached to the excavator 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the excavator 1, designed as a wheeled excavator, includes, in a known manner, a substructure 3 and an upper structure 5 rotatably arranged on the substructure 3 by means of a slewing bearing 4, the upper structure having a cab 6. At the upper structure 5, a boom, designed here as an adjustable boom, is arranged, having a first boom section 7 pivotally hinged to the upper structure 5 and a second boom section 8 pivotally arranged at the first boom section 7. An excavator stick 9 is pivotally hinged at the second boom section 8.

[0018] A quick-change device 10, designed for automatic and rapid attachment changing, is arranged at the excavator boom 9 via a swing arm 11, and a connecting rod 12 is arranged at the lower end of the excavator boom 9 in a manner that allows it to swing about a horizontal bolt 13. Furthermore, a height-adjustable front skid plate 14 is installed at the lower structure 3 of the excavator 1, the skid plate having an excavator-side connector 15 for connection to a trailer coupler 16 at the trailer 2. The trailer 2, designed here as a rear-dump dump truck, has a chassis 17 with wheels 18, a trailer drawbar 19 with a trailer coupler 16, and a trailer section 21 adjustablely arranged on the chassis 17 by means of an adjusting element 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable trailer section 21 is implemented as a rear-tilting loading bucket. The adjusting element 20 is designed as a hydraulically operated adjusting cylinder. Figure 1 In the excavator, a quick-change device 10 located at the boom 9 is connected to an adapter 22 located at the trailer 2. The adapter 22 is connected via a supply line 23 to an adjustment element 20 designed as an adjustment cylinder for raising and lowering the trailer section 21, which is implemented as a tilting loading bucket.

[0019] For example, especially from Figure 2 As can be seen from the illustration, in the shown embodiment, the quick changer 10 is arranged at the excavator boom 9 and connecting rod 12 via a rotation and oscillation mechanism 24, also known as a tilting swivel. Figure 3The rotation and oscillation mechanism 24, shown in the bottom view, includes a bracket 25 mounted on the excavator stick 9 and connecting rod 12. A housing 26 is arranged on the bracket 25 in a manner that allows it to oscillate about an oscillation axis 29 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the excavator stick via a oscillation drive device formed here by two hydraulically adjustable cylinders 27 and 28. Within the housing 26, which oscillates about the oscillation axis 29, a quick-change device 10, designed for automatic tool changing, is supported in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis 30 orthogonal to the oscillation axis 29, and can be electrically rotated 360° relative to the housing 26 about the rotation axis 30 via a motor through a transmission mechanism arranged within the housing 26. The bracket 25 of the rotation and oscillation mechanism 24 can also oscillate in a known manner about a bolt 13 at the lower end of the excavator stick 9 via a connecting rod 12 hinged to the excavator stick 9 by means of a swing arm 11 and a tilting cylinder (not shown).

[0020] exist Figure 2 In the position shown, the quick-change device 10, located at the excavator boom 9 and connecting rod 12 via a rotation and swing mechanism 24, is connected to the adapter 22 located at the trailer 2. The adapter 22 can be directly fastened or can be connected via... Figure 2 The shock-absorbing element 31 shown is fastened to the trailer 2.

[0021] exist Figure 3 As can be seen, the housing 26 is arranged at the bracket 25 by means of laterally protruding support pins 32 within two spaced-apart support holes 33, in a manner that allows it to swing about a swing axis 29 orthogonal to the rotation axis 30, and can be driven by a hydraulic swing drive device formed by two adjusting cylinders 27 and 28. Figure 2 The swing axis 29 shown oscillates approximately + / - 45° relative to the bracket 25. Thus, the quick changer 10 can not only rotate around the same... Figure 2 The rotation axis 30 shown can rotate 360°, and can also swing relative to the support 25 about the swing axis 29 orthogonal to the rotation axis 30, thereby expanding the possibilities of motion and thus increasing the range of applications.

[0022] from Figure 3 As can also be seen, the quick-change device 10, rotatably supported within the housing 26, includes a changer housing 34 implemented as a welded or cast part, the changer housing having two spaced-apart and parallel side plates 35. On one side of the changer housing 34, there is a forward-opening first receiving portion 36 for receiving and securing a first bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped connecting element, and on the other side, there is a downward-opening second receiving portion 37 with a locking element 38 for receiving and securing a second bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped connecting element. A foldable fall arrestor hook 39 is arranged at the forward-opening first receiving portion 36 as a fall protection safety device to prevent the attachment device from falling.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the quick-change device 10 includes two spaced-apart first receiving portions 36 for bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped first connecting elements on one side of the two side plates 35 of the changer housing 34, and two spaced-apart second receiving portions 37 for bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped second connecting elements on the other side of the two side plates 35. The forward-opening first receiving portions 36 are designed in a claw or fork shape. The downward-opening second receiving portions 37 have curved lower abutment surfaces for abutting the bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped second connecting elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the quick-change device 10 also includes two locking elements 38 designed as locking bolts, according to... Figure 3 The locking element is movably guided in guide holes 40 in the two side plates 35 of the changer housing 34, and can be hydraulically engaged via an actuating element 41, which is H-shaped (also referred to as an H-cylinder) in the bottom view. Figure 3 The drive-in unlocked position for disconnecting or connecting the attachment device is shown to move between a drive-out locked position and a drive-out locked position. In the drive-out locked position, the downward-opening second receiving portion 37 is closed from below by the locking element 38 arranged in the guide hole 40, so that the bolt-shaped second connecting element is clamped and secured from below by the locking element 38.

[0024] To engage, for example, an excavator bucket or other attachment using this type of quick-change device 10, the quick-change device 10, located on the excavator 1, is first moved such that a first connecting element, such as a bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped element located at the adapter or directly at the attachment, drives into a claw-shaped or fork-shaped first receiving portion 36 on one side of the quick-change device 10. Subsequently, the quick-change device 10, with its retracted locking element 38, is swung about the bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped first connecting element, such that a second connecting element, such as a bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped element at the adapter or attachment, abuts against the abutting surface of a downwardly open second receiving portion 37 on the other side of the quick-change device 10. Then, by correspondingly moving the actuating element 41, the locking element 38, movably arranged in a guide hole 40 in the changer housing 34 of the quick-change device 10, can be hydraulically driven out, thereby clamping the bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped second connecting element from below by the two locking elements 38 at the quick-change device 10, and thus securing the attachment to the quick-change device 10.

[0025] As from Figure 3As can be seen, a hydraulically and, if necessary, electrically connected first connecting element 42 is provided at the middle portion of the operating element 41 of the quick-change device 10, also referred to as an H-type cylinder and used for moving the locking element 38. Designed, for example, as a hydraulic quick-connect sleeve or an electrical socket, the first connecting element 42 is connected to a corresponding supply line via a suitable connector 43, and is designed in a known manner to connect with a corresponding second connecting element at the hydraulically or electrically operated attachment when the operating element 41 is moved to the locked position. For example, the second connecting element can be implemented as a quick-connect plug for connecting to, for example, the first connecting element 42 implemented as a quick-connect sleeve or socket. Thus, the hydraulically or electrically operated attachment can be supplied with hydraulic or electrical energy from the excavator 1 end and controlled.

[0026] exist Figure 4 The schematic perspective view shows a trailer 2 with an adapter 22 designed to engage with the quick-change unit 10 described above. As explained, the trailer 2, designed herein as a tilting dump truck, has a frame chassis 17 with a trailer drawbar 19 and a trailer coupling 16, and a trailer section 21 that can be tilted and configured as a tipper by means of an adjusting element 20, which is implemented herein as a telescopic cylinder. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailer 2 has only one axle 44 and two wheels 18. However, the trailer 2 can also be configured as a multi-axle trailer or have other structures. Furthermore, in addition to the adjusting element 20, which is implemented herein as an adjusting cylinder, the trailer 2 may also include other hydraulically or electrically operated adjusting elements.

[0027] This is arranged on the trailer drawbar 19 and... Figure 5 The adapter 22, shown in enlarged view, includes a first connecting element 45 in the form of a bolt or shaft, designed for engagement with a first receiving portion 36 of the quick-change device 10, and a second connecting element 46 in the form of a bolt or shaft, designed for engagement with a second receiving portion 36 of the quick-change device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, two bolt-shaped or shaft-shaped connecting elements 45 and 46, parallel to and spaced apart from each other, are arranged at their ends in two parallel and spaced apart plate-shaped side members 47. The two plate-shaped side members 47 are arranged on a base plate 48 in an upwardly projecting manner. Furthermore, a second connecting element 49, designed here as a quick-connect plug, is mounted at the adapter 22 for connection with the first connecting element 42 arranged at the quick-change device 10. Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, a second connecting element 49, designed as a quick-connect plug, is arranged in a connecting element bracket 50 fastened to the second connecting element. In the illustrated embodiment, a supply line 23, guided to the adjusting element 20 and implemented as a connecting hose, connects to one of the second connecting elements 49 of the adapter 22 fastened to the trailer 2. Thus, the tilting structure 21 of the trailer 2 can also be raised or lowered from the excavator 1 end without a separate control device.

[0028] A mechanical connection is established between the quick-change unit 10 on the excavator side and the adapter 22 on the trailer side via the first connecting element 45 and the second connecting element 46. The adjustment element 20 on the trailer 2 can be driven via the first connecting element 42 located at the quick-change unit 10 and the second connecting element 49 located at the adapter 22 on the trailer 2 and connected to the adjustment element 20 via the supply line 23. Therefore, a hydraulic connection is established between the quick-change unit 10 and the trailer 2 simultaneously with the operation of the locking device at the quick-change unit. Other hydraulically or electrically operated adjustment elements on the trailer 2 can also be driven from the excavator 1 end via the quick-change unit 10 using additional hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric connecting elements, without the need for costly additional control devices.

[0029] The trailer 2 described above does not necessarily have to be mechanically connected to the excavator 1 via the trailer coupler 16 and the corresponding excavator-side connector 15. The mechanical connection between the excavator 1 and the trailer 2 can also be achieved via the quick-change device 10 on the excavator side and the adapter 22 on the trailer side.

[0030] List of reference numerals

[0031] 1 excavator

[0032] 2 trailers

[0033] 3. Lower Structure

[0034] 4. Slewing bearing device

[0035] 5. Superstructure

[0036] 6-cab

[0037] 7 First arm segment

[0038] 8 Second arm segment

[0039] 9 Excavator boom

[0040] 10 Quick Change

[0041] 11 rocker arm

[0042] 12 connecting rods

[0043] 13 bolts

[0044] 14 front skid plate

[0045] 15. Connecting parts on the excavator side

[0046] 16 trailer coupling

[0047] 17 chassis

[0048] 18 wheels

[0049] 19 Trailer Drawbar

[0050] 20 regulating elements

[0051] 21 trailer section

[0052] 22 adapter

[0053] 23 supply lines

[0054] 24 Rotation and Oscillating Mechanism

[0055] 25 supports

[0056] 26 shell

[0057] 27 regulating cylinder

[0058] 28 regulating cylinder

[0059] 29 Oscillation Axis

[0060] 30 Rotation axis

[0061] 31 shock absorption elements

[0062] 32 support pins

[0063] 33 Support Holes

[0064] 34 Replacement housing

[0065] 35 side panels

[0066] 36 First Reception Department

[0067] 37 Second Reception Department

[0068] 38 locking elements

[0069] 39 Anti-fall hooks

[0070] 40 guide holes

[0071] 41. Control element (H-type cylinder)

[0072] 42 First connecting element

[0073] 43 connector

[0074] 44 axis

[0075] 45 First connecting element

[0076] 46 Second connecting element

[0077] 47 side components

[0078] 48 substrate

[0079] 49 Second connecting element

[0080] 50 Connecting element bracket.

Claims

1. A trailer (2) for coupling to an excavator (1) equipped with a hydraulic quick-change device (10), wherein, The trailer (2) includes a chassis (17) with wheels (18) and at least one trailer section (21) arranged on the chassis (17) in a manner adjustable by means of an adjusting element (20). The trailer (2) is characterized by having an adapter (22) arranged on the trailer (2) for connection with a quick changer (10). The adapter has at least one second connecting element (49) for supplying the adjusting element (20) from the excavator (1) and for driving the adjusting element. The second connecting element is designed to engage with the first connecting element (42) at the quick changer (10) when the quick changer (10) is connected to the adapter (22).

2. The trailer (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable trailer section (21) is a loading bucket or loading platform that can be tilted on the chassis (17), and the adjusting element (20) is an adjusting cylinder arranged between the chassis (17) and the loading bucket or loading platform.

3. The trailer (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one second connecting element (49) arranged at the adapter (22) is connected to the regulating element (20) via the supply line (23).

4. The trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one second connecting element (49) arranged at the adapter (22) is designed as a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical quick-connect plug.

5. The trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A plurality of second connecting elements (49) are arranged at the adapter (22) and are designed to engage with the first connecting element (42) at the quick changer (10).

6. The trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The adapter (22) includes a first connecting element (45) in the form of a bolt or shaft, designed to engage with a first receiving portion (36) of the quick changer (10), and a second connecting element (46) in the form of a bolt or shaft, designed to engage with a second receiving portion (36) of the quick changer (10).

7. The trailer (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one second connecting element (49) disposed at the adapter (22) is held at the second connecting element (46) of the adapter (22) by a connecting element bracket (50).

8. The trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The adapter (22) is mounted on the trailer drawbar (19).

9. The trailer (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adapter (22) is fastened directly or via a shock-absorbing element (31) to the trailer drawbar (19).

10. An engineering equipment assembly comprising an excavator (1) equipped with a hydraulic quick changer (10) and a trailer (2) connected to the excavator (1), characterized in that, The trailer (2) is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The engineering equipment assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The quick changer (10) is fastened to the excavator stick (9) of the excavator (1) by a rotation and swing mechanism (24).

12. The engineering equipment assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, A connector (15) for a trailer coupler (16) for a trailer (2) is provided on the excavator side at the height-adjustable front skid plate (14) of the excavator (1).

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