Combination adapter system for quick couplers of different mounting sizes

Abstract

Claim: Combination adapter system for quick couplers of different sizes according to the Lehnhoff standard, comprehensive • a fixed front bolt (1), • a movable rear bolt (2) which is guided in an obliquely downward-sloping elongated hole, • a lever arm (3) which is pivotably mounted about a bearing point (4), • a spring (6) pre-tensioned by the lever arm • and a locking unit (9) with at least two pairs of cutouts for different quick coupler sizes, characterized in that the movable bolt (2) is automatically moved into the required position when a quick coupler is attached and an automatic adjustment to at least two quick coupler sizes takes place without the need for the driver to dismount or for manual conversion.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a combination adapter system for connecting attachments to excavators using quick couplers of different sizes according to the Lehnhoff standard (e.g., MS01 / MS03, MS03 / MS08, etc.). The combination adapter system enables automatic adaptation to two quick coupler sizes / systems without the operator having to dismount, without tools, and without the need for additional parts. (Screw connections, fuses, plug systems) 2. State of the art

[0002] Currently, quick-change systems are known where an operator has to manually switch between two different sizes, e.g., by moving a bolt (e.g., the Wolf system). This requires dismounting from the machine (excavator), changing the bolt separately, and carries risks such as loss or incorrect installation. 3. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a combination adapter system that automatically adapts to two different quick-changer dimensions without manual adjustment. The changeover should occur automatically during coupling, without the need to mount or replace any additional moving components. 4. Description of the invention

[0004] The combination adapter system (8) has: • a permanently welded front bolt (1) • a movable rear bolt (2) which is guided obliquely downwards in an elongated hole. • a lever arm (3) which is rotatably mounted about a bearing point (4) • a spring (6) attached to the lever arm, which is fixed at a mounting point (7) on the frame (8) • a locking unit (9) • the quick-change claw (10) which enters the combination adapter system Function:

[0005] When the larger quick coupler (e.g., MS03) is attached, the movable bolt (2), which is pushed upwards by spring force via the lever arm (3), is pushed downwards into its lower end position by the lower surface of the quick coupler (10). This occurs automatically via the contact during coupling.

[0006] The bolt (2) has upper and lower mechanical stops, which are defined by the length of the elongated hole. When a smaller quick coupler (e.g., MS01) is attached, the bolt (2) remains in the upper position, thus establishing the smaller dimension.

[0007] A special angle in the elongated hole and the inclined shape of the locking unit (9) ensure that the bolt (2) is pressed into its end position at the front / top, which allows for a large contact area, secure clamping and a backlash-free fit. Provision:

[0008] The movable bolt is reset via the lever arm (3), which is permanently pre-tensioned by a spring (6). The design is identical on both sides and allows for fully automatic adaptation. Locking mechanism:

[0009] The locking unit (9) is a permanently welded steel unit with machined contours (according to Lehnhoff standard). It has two pairs of cutouts for two different quick coupler sizes. During coupling, two bolts of the quick coupler engage mechanically or hydraulically in the locking mechanism, clamping and fixing the quick coupler in its position. This creates a positive and non-positive fit. The angled elongated slot / guide ensures sufficient positive and non-positive engagement when locking the smaller quick coupler size and holds the movable bolt in position. 5. Advantages of the invention • Automatic adjustment to two quick-changer sizes • No need to move or stow bolts • No need to dismount • No tools required • Low maintenance and robust • Low-play, force-fit seat thanks to angle mechanism • Enables the economical use of expensive attachments on multiple machines with different mounting dimensions 6. Protection area & extensions

[0010] The invention also includes: • All functionally equivalent mechanisms for adjusting the movable bolt, in particular by: • Spring force, gas spring, hydraulics, magnetic field or mechanical retraction or other physical energy-storing / releasing elements. • Variations in bolt guidance (linear or inclined slot, guided bushing, rail, etc.) • Versions for any pair of quick coupler dimensions (MS01 / MS03, MS03 / MS08, MS08 / MS10, MS10 / MS21, MS21 / MS25) • Multiple combination adapter systems for >2 sizes • Alternative locking units (mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic) 7. Drawings Fig. 1: Combination adapter with mounting plate for mounting on the attachment Fig. 2: Combination adapter plate - room view Fig. 3: Combination adapter plate - side view, positions 1 and 2 Fig. 4: Combination adapter plate - position 1 - e.g. quick coupler MS03 separately Fig. 5: Combination adapter plate - Position 1 - Example: Quick coupler MS03 in alignment Fig. 6: Combination adapter plate - position 1 - example quick coupler MS03 in assembly I Fig. 7: Combination adapter plate - position 1 - example quick coupler MS03 in assembly II Fig. 8: Combination adapter plate - Position 1 - Example: Quick coupler MS03 mounted Fig. 9: Combination adapter plate - position 2 - e.g. quick coupler MS01 separately Fig. 10: Combination adapter plate - Position 2 - Example: Quick coupler MS01 in alignment Fig. 11: Combination adapter plate - position 2 - example quick coupler MS01 in assembly I Fig. 12: Combination adapter plate - position 2 - example quick coupler MS01 in assembly II Fig. 13: Combination adapter plate - Position 2 - Example: Quick coupler MS01 mounted (The drawings are uploaded as a separate attachment or in the application.) 8. List of reference symbols 1 shaft (welded permanently in the housing, suitable for the larger quick coupler size, e.g. MS03) 2 shafts (guided in the elongated hole with lateral stops, suitable for the smaller quick coupler size, e.g. MS01) 3 Lever arm (actively pushes bolt position 2 forward and upward) 4. Bearing point / pivot point on the housing (for receiving the movable lever arm, item 3) 5 Tension spring mounting point 1 (on the tension lever) 6 tension springs (with two eyelets) 7 Tension spring mounting point 2 (on the housing) 8 adapter housings (housing structure with elongated slot recess) 9 Mounting bracket (for locking bolt of the quick coupler) 10 quick couplers (Lehnhoff type, excavator side) 9. Materials & Assembly • Bolts, frame and lever arm made of steel • Spring made of spring steel • Welded or bolted connection to the attachment • Maintenance-free with regular cleaning of the spring area

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