TOOL HOLDING DEVICE AND MOBILE WORK MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool holding device for holding a detachably connectable work tool and to a mobile work machine with a tool holding device. State of the art

[0002] So-called "quick couplers" have been widely used for years, especially in mobile work machines such as excavators, wheel loaders, cranes, forklifts, and the like. For example, hydraulic quick-change systems enable attachments to be changed quickly from the cab. The attachment or work tool can often be secured to the quick coupler with two bolts. The "front" bolt is the one facing toward the vehicle, and the "rear" bolt is the one facing away from the vehicle.

[0003] A current quick coupler consists, among other things, of a quick coupler housing, a catch that secures the rear bolt of the attachment, and a hydraulic system that moves the catch. The catch is pushed outward by the hydraulic cylinder for the closing process, i.e., the hydraulic cylinder extends. For the opening process, the catch is retracted, i.e., the hydraulic cylinder retracts. To attach an attachment, the front bolt on the quick coupler housing is picked up, and then the quick coupler is screwed in. In this position, the catch is hydraulically actuated, and the rear bolt is secured.

[0004] The locking process can be simplified into three cases: In the first case, the locking occurs correctly, meaning that after the quick coupler engages the so-called front bolt, the catch moves under the rear bolt and secures it. In the second case, the quick coupler engages the front bolt, but the attachment is not properly seated on the quick coupler, e.g., due to stones jamming in it, etc., and the catch moves over the so-called rear bolt and thus does not secure it. If the quick coupler is then unscrewed, the attachment falls downward.

[0005] In the third case, the attachment is attached to the so-called front bolt. However, the catch hits the so-called rear bolt more centrally, thus clamping the attachment to the quick coupler and providing limited support, although the attachment is not properly locked. However, the unstable position of the bolt and catch can cause the attachment to pop off at any time, and the attachment can fall down. This is also the most critical case, as it appears as if the attachment is already connected to the quick coupler. The attachment must be prevented from falling down at all costs.

[0006] There are already certain systems on the market for large quick couplers that feature a locking mechanism for the so-called front pin. However, there are currently no such systems for relatively small hydraulic quick couplers, i.e., excavators up to approximately 2.5 t. Existing systems often feature a floating cylinder that can be moved in both directions to actuate the catch on the one hand and a locking element on the other (see, for example,

[0007] EP 1 318 242 B1). However, the floating cylinder must be preloaded with springs to ensure permanent locking of the bolt. This means that in the third case described above, the attachment tool is held only by springs. However, these springs can be overcome, damaged, or even break, so only limited safety is provided.

[0008] The locking element can also be operated with a separate hydraulic cylinder, but this makes the system more complex, requires more space and is therefore unsuitable for smaller quick couplers.

[0009] Furthermore, US 2016 / 0002877 A1 discloses a tool holding device with a guide track of the guide device, which is designed as a guide groove. The guide groove interacts with a guide lever. The guide lever is linearly adjustable, and the guide device is pivotable with the guide groove and coupled with a spiral spring. Object and advantages of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is, in contrast, to propose a tool holding device which at least partially improves the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular is structurally and / or economically advantageous and / or has comparatively little installation space.

[0011] This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 3, based on a tool holding device and a mobile work machine of the type mentioned in the introduction. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are possible by the measures mentioned in the subclaims.

[0012] Accordingly, a tool holding device according to the invention is characterized, among other things, in that the adjustable fixing device comprising the second holding element has at least one guide element for guiding a guide device, wherein the guide device comprises at least one adjusting element for adjusting a locking element for locking and / or unlocking the first bolt element in the first holding position, wherein at least one guide track of the guide element has at least partially a bent and / or curved guide line and / or guide edge along the adjustment path, wherein the guide track of the guide element is designed as a guide groove, wherein the guide device comprises at least one lever element, wherein the locking element and the lever element have at least one pivot axis for locking / unlocking the first / front bolt element in the first holding position,wherein the lever element has rollers arranged at the end, which are guided by means of the guide groove, so that when the hydraulic cylinder unit is adjusted, the lever element and thus at the same time the locking element are pivoted about the pivot axis.

[0013] With the aid of such a fixing device or such a guide element / adjustment element, the adjustment of the second / rear holding element is achieved simultaneously or additionally with the adjustment of the first / front holding element. Accordingly, the fixing device or its adjustment is advantageously used for two purposes: firstly, to hold the second / rear holding element and secondly, to lock the first / front holding element. Consequently, a separate unit or a special locking unit for locking the first / front holding element and / or a so-called floating unit, i.e., a linear unit / hydraulic unit adjustable on both sides / in opposite directions, is unnecessary.

[0014] This means that the design and cost-effectiveness, as well as the space required to secure the first / front retaining element, are comparatively low or very small. Furthermore, a high safety standard can be achieved, since, among other things, damage or even breakage of a coil spring, as is the case with the state of the art, is impossible. The advantageously solid mechanical components ensure a high level of safety.

[0015] Advantageously, the linear adjustment unit is designed as a hydraulic cylinder unit with a cylinder housing element and a piston element adjustable in the cylinder housing element. The hydraulic cylinder unit is fixed to the housing so that a first end of the hydraulic cylinder unit and the fixing device with the second holding element are adjustable relative to the housing and along the adjustment path, and so that a second end of the hydraulic cylinder unit is not adjustable along the adjustment path. This represents a departure from systems previously designed as "floating hydraulic cylinders." Thus, one side or end of the hydraulic cylinder unit can be / is advantageously fixed to the housing so that it is not adjustable along the adjustment path. If necessary, aThe housing allows pivoting of the hydraulic cylinder unit about a fixing axis to advantageously enable adaptation to the other or second end / side, i.e., the piston side or the piston element. This advantageous embodiment enables a particularly structurally and economically advantageous, as well as space-saving, implementation according to the invention.

[0016] Thus, according to the invention, at least one guide track of the guide element and / or the guide device has, at least in part, a guide line and / or guide edge that is bent and / or curved along the adjustment path. For example, the guide track or the guide line / edge has, at least in sections, a type of S-shape, Z-shape or C-shape and / or a (rounded) kink or the like. Thus, through the interaction of the guide element and / or with the guide device or the advantageous guide track, a controlled adjustment of the adjustment element of the guide device and also of the locking element for locking the first / front bolt element in the first holding position can be advantageously achieved. Accordingly, the defined locking orThe first / front bolt element can be secured. Consequently, high operational reliability and high safety requirements can be achieved according to the invention.

[0017] For example, the guide according to the invention is designed as a slotted guide or the like. According to the invention, the guide path of the guide element and / or the guide device is designed as a guide groove. The guide groove advantageously enables transverse or lateral, particularly bilateral, guidance with respect to the guide direction or the guide path, thus achieving high operational reliability and precise control / management of the guide. Optionally, the guide groove can be a component or an essential component of a slotted guide.

[0018] According to the invention, the guide track and / or the guide element is designed as a lever element and / or the guide device comprises at least one lever element. A lever element according to the invention can, on the one hand, be constructed in a structurally advantageous and stable manner, and, on the other hand, can advantageously generate a comparatively high torque or a relatively large adjustment / locking force. Accordingly, a very stable and secure locking of the work tool can be achieved.

[0019] Advantageously, the guideway and / or the guide element is designed as a cam disk, and / or the guide device comprises at least one cam disk. A cam disk can also be used to generate comparatively complex adjustment movements of the adjustment element if necessary. It is conceivable that a cam disk could also be advantageous in particularly confined spaces.

[0020] Preferably, the guide element is designed as a roller or roller, and / or the guide device comprises at least one roller or roller. The roller or roller, or a rotating element, can be used to achieve, among other things, advantageously low-friction and / or low-wear guidance. This ensures safe and long-lasting operation, especially under the typically very harsh construction site conditions.

[0021] In addition, the locking element and the lever element according to the invention have at least one pivot axis for locking / unlocking the first / front bolt element in the first holding position. This allows for a particularly space-saving and / or powerful adjustment of the adjustment element or locking of the first / front bolt element. Example

[0022] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0023] In detail: Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a tool holding device according to the invention in a locked position with two secured bolts of a working tool, Figure 2 is a schematic, partially sectioned view of the tool holding device according to Figure 1 without bolts, Figure 3 a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to Figure 1 in unlocked position, Figure 4 a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to Figure 3 in correctly locked / secured position, Figure 5 a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to Figure 3in a first, incorrectly locked, unsecured position and Figure 6 a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to Figure 3 in a second, incorrectly locked, unsecured position.

[0024] In Figure 1 A tool holding device 1 or a so-called quick coupler 1 according to the invention is schematically shown in a locked position with two secured pins 2, 3 of a working tool 4. The quick coupler 1 comprises, among other things, a housing 5 with eyelets or openings for an excavator arm or the like (not shown in detail).

[0025] Within the housing 5 there is, among other things, a hydraulic cylinder 6 which can adjust a detent 7 along a linear adjustment path. As shown, for example, in Figure 4 As can be seen, this catch 7 secures the so-called second or rear bolt 3 in the working or extended position. Figure 3It is clear that this catch 7 releases the so-called second or rear bolt 3 in the release position or in the retracted position, so that the bolt 3 is not secured or locked.

[0026] The hydraulic cylinder 6 is fixedly fixed to the housing 5 at a first end 8, so that only a second end 9 of the hydraulic cylinder 6 with the detent 7 can move or adjust relative to the housing 5.

[0027] The so-called first or front bolt 2 of the working tool 4 or attachment 4 is advantageously held by means of locking lugs 10. Furthermore, according to the invention, this first / front bolt 2 is additionally secured / held by two locks 11. These locks 11 are activated or adjusted by means of the hydraulic cylinder 6. The locks 11 advantageously have levers 12 that have rollers 13 arranged at their ends. These rollers 13 are guided by a guide groove 14.

[0028] Due to the advantageously curved / shaped guideway 15 or guideways 15, which form the end faces of the guide groove 14, when the hydraulic cylinder 6 is adjusted, the lever 12 is pivoted about a pivot axis 16 and thus at the same time the bolts 11 (cf. Figures 3 and 4 ). Thus, the first / front bolt 2 is held not only by the locking lugs 10, but also by the latches 11.

[0029] The latches 11 advantageously reduce a clearance relative to the housing 5, so that the first / front bolt 2, whose diameter is larger than this clearance, can no longer detach from the quick coupler 1. Accordingly, the working tool 4 is securely secured to the quick coupler 1.

[0030] This locking in the sense of the invention is an additional securing or fixing of the working tool 4 on the quick changer 1. The "normal" or "actual" holding of the working tool 4 on the quick changer 1 is already carried out by clamping the two bolts 2, 3 with the locking lugs 10 and the catch 7 as shown in Figure 4 when correctly coupled.

[0031] However, under construction site conditions it may well happen that the coupling is incorrect or not carried out entirely correctly (see Figures 5 and 6 ). As has been generally known for years, the attachment tool 4 is first held with the first / front pin 2, ie, for example, the excavator driver steers / controls the excavator arm in such a way that the quick coupler 1 arranged at the end of the excavator arm picks up the first / front pin 2 (cf. e.g. Figure 1). Subsequently, the excavator arm is adjusted in such a way that the second / rear bolt 3 pivots into the coupling position in the housing 5 (cf. Figure 3 ). Then the catch 7 is moved into the holding position by means of the hydraulic cylinder 6 (cf. Figure 4 ).

[0032] However, there are essentially two dangerous cases where the holding of the second / rear bolt 3 is not entirely correct. Namely, that the catch 7 moves over the second / rear bolt 3 ( Figure 5 ) or that the catch 7 moves / presses approximately centrally against the second / rear bolt 3 ( Figure 6 ). In both of these cases, the working tool 4 could become detached from the quick coupler 1 or fall down under load, possibly injuring a person or causing damage.

[0033] According to the invention, this is advantageously prevented. Thus, by virtue of the advantageous guide or slotted guide of the lever 12, the first / front bolt 2 is effectively secured by means of the locking latch 11 even in these cases (cf. Figures 5 and 6 ). This is because both in the final position according to Figure 5 as well as in the intermediate position according to Figure 6 the bolt 11 is already pivoted so advantageously that the first / front bolt 2 is firmly fixed / secured, although the second / rear bolt 3 was not held / clamped correctly.

[0034] Preferably, two or both sides, in particular mirror-image, slotted guides 14 with the corresponding components can be used. The slotted guide according to the invention advantageously has a defined guide groove 14. An axle or a roller 13, for example, which is located at the end of a lever element 12, runs in this groove 14. In addition, this lever element 12 also has at least one bearing point 16 or pivot axis 16, on which it is rotatably mounted. If the catch 7 and with it the slotted guides move back and forth, the grooved pins / elements or wheels 13 run along the defined groove 14 or their guide tracks 15 in the slotted guide and thus move the lever element 12 up and down depending on the groove geometry. This means that, depending on the groove geometry, the lever element 12 has a defined position in each notch position. This lever movement is used advantageously to lock the bolt 11 orTo actuate the locking element 11, which secures the front bolt 2 of the attachment 4. Advantageously, the lever or locking element can be designed hook-shaped at the other end. This hook or latch 11, for example, wraps around the front bolt 2 of the attachment 4 in the locked state (. Figure 1 ). The movement of the lever element 12 can also be used, for example, to advantageously move another locking element, such as a slider, up and down or to open / close a latch.

[0035] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the gate shape and the path of the catch 7 can be adjusted so that the locking element 11 already completely secures the front bolt 2 before the catch 7 projects over / out of the housing 5 ( Figure 6This means, among other things, that the front bolt 2 is already secured before a locking error can occur. According to the invention, only a single hydraulic system 6 is required to actuate the catch 7 and the locking element 11. Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinder 6 can be firmly screwed to the housing 5, thus preventing the hydraulic connections from moving and chafing. Furthermore, the locking element does not need to be secured separately by springs, as is the case with the floating cylinder in the prior art.

[0036] According to the invention, the advantageous guide rail allows the movement of the lever element 12 and thus of the bolt 11 to be precisely defined depending on the travel path of the catch 7 and the shape of the guide rail. Advantageously, the shape of the guide rail is designed in such a way that the lever element 12 and thus the bolt 11 advantageously moves / pivots already at the beginning of the closing process and reaches its end position (e.g. according to Figure 6 ) before the catch 7 reaches its fully extended end position. The catch 7 then moves to its end position (e.g. according to Figure 4 ), the lever element 12 or the bolt 11 remains in its locking position and is only fixed by the gate in this phase ( Figure 4 ).

[0037] The lever element 12 actuated by the slotted guide according to the invention can actuate a wide variety of locking elements 11. On the one hand, the lever element 12 can be designed directly as a hook 11, which secures the front bolt 2. On the other hand, the lever element 12 can also actuate other locking elements 11, e.g., move a slider up / down, open / close a latch, or the like.

[0038] Furthermore, there is the possibility (not shown in detail) of "reversing" the link principle. This means, for example, that the lever element 12 has a defined shape or a curved / angled shape (see, for example, the shape of the groove 14), and two rollers are attached to the catch 2 or the movable part of the hydraulic cylinder 6, which are arranged / guided on both sides of the corresponding lever. The lever element runs between these rollers and is moved up and down by their shape.

Claims

1. Tool-holding device (1), in particular tool quick-change coupling (1), for holding a releasably connectable working tool (4), wherein the tool-holding device (1) comprises at least one housing (5) and one fixing unit (7, 10) for releasably fixing the working tool (4), wherein the housing (5) has at least one first, in particular front, holding element (10) for holding a first, in particular front, pin element (2) of the working tool (4), wherein, in a first holding position, the first holding element (10) is arranged on the first pin element (2) of the working tool (4), wherein the fixing unit (7, 10) has at least one fixing device (7) for fixing a second, in particular rear, pin element (3) of the working tool (4), said at least one fixing device being adjustable relative to the housing (5) and along an adjustment travel between a release position and a second holding position, wherein the adjustable fixing device (7) comprises at least one second, in particular rear, holding element (7) for holding a second pin element (3) of the working tool (4) in the second holding position, wherein at least one linear adjustment unit (6), in particular a hydraulic cylinder unit (6), is provided for linearly adjusting the fixing device (7) with the second holding element (7), wherein the adjustable fixing device (7) comprising the second holding element (7) has at least one guide element (14) for guiding a guide device (11 to 13), wherein the guide device (11 to 13) comprises at least one adjustment element (12) for adjusting a locking element (11) for locking and / or unlocking the first pin element (2) in the first holding position, wherein at least one guide track (15) of the guide element (14) at least partially has a guide edge and / or guide line which is bent and / or curved along the adjustment travel, wherein the guide track (15) of the guide element (14) is in the form of a guide groove (14), wherein the guide device (11 to 13) comprises at least one lever element (12), wherein the locking element (11) and the lever element (12) have at least one pivot shaft (16) for locking / unlocking of the first / front pin element (2) in the first holding position, wherein the lever element (12) has rollers arranged at one end that are guided by means of the guide groove (14) so that, during adjustment of the hydraulic cylinder unit (6), the lever element (12), and thus at the same time the locking element (11), is pivoted around the pivot shaft (16).

2. Tool-holding device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the linear adjustment unit (6) is in the form of a hydraulic cylinder unit (6) with a cylinder housing element and with a piston element which is adjustable in the cylinder housing element, wherein the hydraulic cylinder unit (6) is fixed to the housing (5) so that a first end of the hydraulic cylinder unit (6) and the fixing device (7) with the second holding element (7) are adjustable relative to the housing (5) and along the adjustment travel, and so that a second end of the hydraulic cylinder unit (6) is not adjustable along the adjustment travel.

3. Mobile working machine, in particular wheeled loader, telescopic loader, excavator, tractor or the like, having a vehicle frame and having a drive unit for driving at least one drive element, for example a drive wheel and / or tracked undercarriage, wherein at least one tool-holding device (1), in particular tool quick-change coupling (1), is provided for holding a releasably connectable working tool (4) of the working machine, characterized in that the tool-holding device (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.