QUICK CHANGE SYSTEM AND QUICK CHANGE SYSTEM

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick change device according to the preamble of claim 1 as known from EP 2 096 212 A2 and a quick change system. State of the art:

[0002] Construction machinery can cover a wide range of applications with interchangeable attachments, such as hydraulic grapples, excavation buckets, grabs, and the like. To ensure maximum flexibility, it is essential that the change between attachments can be carried out quickly and safely. For this purpose, quick-change systems for construction machinery are available. These include a quick coupler on the vehicle side (i.e., the boom side) and an adapter on the tool side. These can be easily coupled together without the driver having to leave the vehicle and intervene.

[0003] For this purpose, means for establishing a mechanical connection between the quick coupler and the frame-like adapter are usually provided on the quick coupler and the frame-like adapter. In the case of the quick coupler, these are usually a hook and a pair of movable locking bolts, with the hook and locking bolts located on opposite sides of the quick coupler. The frame-like adapter accordingly features a cross bolt for hooking the quick coupler hook and two parallel locking holes for the pair of locking bolts.

[0004] The connection between known quick couplers and adapters is achieved in two stages. In the first stage, the quick coupler is typically positioned at an angle to the adapter so that the hook on the quick coupler engages the cross pin on the opposite adapter. The quick coupler then pivots into a locking position in which the adapter frame can engage the quick coupler, with the horizontal plane of the quick coupler now aligned parallel to the horizontal plane of the adapter. In the second stage, the pair of locking pins on the quick coupler move longitudinally into the corresponding locking holes on the opposite adapter, creating a secure lock between the quick coupler and the adapter.

[0005] The movable pair of locking bolts of the quick coupler is usually coupled to a hydraulic drive that is mounted so that it can be moved along its longitudinal axis and which in turn is supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system of the construction machine.

[0006] For this purpose, known quick couplers typically feature one or more hydraulic connections (coupling elements) with corresponding valves on the top of the quick coupler. These connections extend through corresponding recesses in a quick coupler housing to a block cylinder located inside the housing. The block cylinder, in turn, is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic drive of the locking bolt pair.

[0007] These coupling elements are used to quickly connect the quick coupler to the construction machine's hydraulic system. A hydraulic hose from the construction machine is connected to each coupling element of the quick coupler using a corresponding counter-coupling element at the end of each hydraulic hose. These coupling elements on the quick coupler supply the quick coupler's hydraulic drive with pressurized hydraulic fluid and control it accordingly. Control is conveniently performed from the construction machine's driver's cab.

[0008] DE 10 2017 122 889 A1 recognized that this arrangement of the hydraulic connection on top of the quick coupler has the disadvantage that the quick coupler is relatively high, which means that the excavator arm can only engage the quick coupler housing at a predetermined distance. As a solution, DE 10 2017 122 889 A1 proposes removing the corresponding valve of the hydraulic connection from the upper area of ​​the block cylinder and installing it in a side of the block cylinder extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, so that the bore in the block cylinder is located next to the bores of a pair of locking bolts. This avoids the need for a high-rise structure on top of the quick coupler.

[0009] Typically, additional coupling elements are provided on the top of the quick coupler, which are coupled to additional hoses of the construction machine via mating coupling elements. These additional coupling elements are hydraulically connected to additional coupling elements on the underside of the quick coupler. The additional coupling elements on the underside of the quick coupler can, in turn, be connected to one or more tool-side mating coupling elements on the adapter, so that the vehicle-side hydraulic circuit can be coupled to a tool-side hydraulic circuit via the quick coupler (see, for example, WO 91 / 01414).

[0010] However, to switch between tools, the connection between the additional coupling elements on the underside of the quick coupler and the mating coupling elements of the adapter must be released. The additional coupling elements on the underside of the quick coupler are then exposed to the weather and construction site conditions, particularly dust and dirt.

[0011] For example, if dirt accumulates on the additional coupling elements of the quick coupler, it can enter the interior of the quick coupler when connecting to the mating coupling elements of another adapter and clog the valve inside the additional coupling elements of the quick coupler. It is a well-known problem with quick couplers that the additional coupling elements for connecting adapters regularly fail and need to be replaced. The present invention aims to at least significantly reduce, or preferably completely eliminate, this disadvantage of known quick-change systems. Furthermore, it is intended to at least reduce wear on the mating coupling elements on the adapter due to exposure to dirt and dust. Description of the invention:

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a quick coupler and a quick-change system that are easy to handle, compact in design, and whose coupling elements can be particularly protected from dirt and weather influences, and consequently from premature wear. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a secure connection between an adapter and a quick coupler.

[0013] This object is achieved by a quick change device having the features according to the main claim 1 and a quick change system according to claim 13.

[0014] Preferred embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0015] The quick coupler according to the invention comprises a housing with two opposite longitudinal walls, two opposite transverse walls, a top side and a bottom side, a block cylinder inside the housing, a locking device with at least one locking bolt and a drive device, wherein the at least one locking bolt protrudes from one of the two transverse walls in a locked position, at least one coupling element of the first type with a coupling end section and at least one coupling element of the second type with a coupling end section, wherein the at least one coupling element of the first type and the at least one coupling element of the second type are hydraulically connected to one another, wherein the at least one coupling element of the second type is arranged on one of the two longitudinal walls of the housing and wherein the locking device comprises at least two locking bolts,which point in opposite directions and are adjustable between a closed position and an open position and vice versa by means of a common drive device.

[0016] The invention thus elegantly solves a practical problem of the prior art. This is because the second-type coupling elements must be easily accessible so that mating coupling elements of the construction machine's hydraulic hoses can be coupled, or so that the coupling elements can be coupled to the mating coupling elements of an adapter. However, due to the required compactness of the quick coupler and the arrangement of the quick coupler between the adapter and the boom of a construction machine, the options for arranging the coupling elements are limited, which means that they are usually arranged on the top and / or bottom of the quick coupler. However, when uncoupled, they are particularly exposed to both weather conditions and the dirt of a construction site, which frequently leads to damage. This is particularly true for the second-type coupling elements, as these are more often uncoupled.

[0017] The second-type coupling element, located on the long side of the housing, offers the particular advantage of significantly reducing exposure to weather conditions. Raindrops, for example, simply flow off the sides of the quick coupler, preventing water from accumulating on the coupling elements. The same applies to snow, for example, and dirt is harder to adhere to the sides than, for example, to the top or bottom of the quick coupler.

[0018] Due to the fact that the locking bolt and the coupling element of the second type are arranged on two housing walls that are perpendicular to each other, the quick coupler is particularly easy to handle, since the side with the at least one coupling element of the second type is still accessible even when the quick coupler is locked with an adapter.

[0019] Additionally, the locking device comprises at least two locking bolts that point in opposite directions and can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa, by means of a common drive device. This creates a particularly secure connection between an adapter and a quick coupler, as the locking between the adapter and quick coupler occurs on two opposite sides.

[0020] The feature of the hydraulic connection between the first-type coupling element and the second-type coupling element is to be interpreted broadly according to the invention. It simply means that fluid flow is possible between the first-type coupling element and the second-type coupling element. The first-type coupling element and the second-type coupling element can be provided in the supply or return line, depending on the application.

[0021] Preferably, several coupling elements of the first type and / or coupling elements of the second type are provided.

[0022] The term "coupling element" should be interpreted broadly. It preferably refers to a valve with, if appropriate, corresponding devices for conducting pressurized hydraulic fluid in a connectable protective housing, which can be constructed in one or more parts, as is common in the prior art for coupling mating coupling elements of a construction machine or an adapter. However, in the present application, the term "coupling element" also refers to a generally conventional valve or a valve with a hydraulic connection and a plug.

[0023] By the term coupling end section, the present invention means that section of the coupling elements which serves for coupling with counter-coupling elements.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one coupling element of the first type is arranged on a longitudinal wall of the housing. This protects the coupling element of the first type from environmental influences and also ensures that the coupling element is easily accessible even when installed and locked.

[0025] It is further preferred that at least the coupling end portion of the second-type coupling element is adjustable between an operating position and a basic position, wherein the coupling end portion of the second-type coupling element protrudes from the longitudinal wall of the housing in the operating position. Corresponding counter-coupling elements of the construction machine or adapter can then be coupled to this.

[0026] The basic position of the second-type coupling element is characterized by the fact that the second-type coupling element is arranged on the quick coupler housing in such a way that it is largely protected from exposure to dirt and dust, rain, snow, etc., i.e., it is in a protective position. In the operating position, however, the second-type coupling element is positioned so that it can be coupled to a mating coupling element of the construction machine's hydraulic hose or to a mating coupling element of the tool adapter.

[0027] The present invention pursues an approach in which the coupling elements of the quick coupler are adjustable, in particular movable, tiltable, and / or pivotable, between a home position (protective position) and an operating position (coupling position) and vice versa. Thus, the coupling elements can be arranged at locations on the quick coupler that are easily accessible to the mating coupling elements, but are protected from harmful external influences in the protective position. Depending on the arrangement of the second-type coupling elements inside the housing, they can be moved, pivoted, tilted, or moved to move from a home position to an operating position.

[0028] It is preferred that the coupling end section of the second-type coupling element is located inside the housing in the home position. Thus, the connectable end section of the second-type coupling element and the entire second-type coupling element are protected from dust and dirt exposure and from the effects of the weather in the home position. If, for example, the second-type coupling element is not required because the work tool does not need to be supplied with hydraulic fluid, the second-type coupling element can remain protected in the home position. Even when changing from one adapter to the next, the second-type coupling elements can preferably be retracted into the housing and only extended when needed again.

[0029] In particular, it is advantageous that the at least one coupling element of the second type is connected to a coupling drive device, so that at least the second coupling end section of the coupling element of the second type is adjustable between the basic position and the operating position and vice versa.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the clutch drive device comprises at least one linear drive mounted in the block cylinder. The linear drive of the

[0031] The coupling drive device serves to move at least the coupling end section of the at least one coupling element of the second type linearly between the basic position and the operating position.

[0032] The at least one linear drive is preferably a hydraulic drive. To enable coupling to the hydraulic system of a construction machine, a preferred embodiment provides for the coupling drive device to be hydraulically connected to at least one coupling element of a third type.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, at least one coupling element of a third type is provided, which is preferably arranged in a longitudinal wall of the housing. The coupling element of a third type generally serves to supply hydraulic devices inside the quick coupler with the corresponding fluid. It is thus arranged in the supply or return lines of supply lines. The coupling element of a third type can, for example, be hydraulically connected to the coupling drive device or to a hydraulically actuated locking device.

[0034] The third type of coupling element can be structurally equivalent to the first type of coupling element, whereby this third type of coupling element is not hydraulically connected to a second type of coupling element, but rather serves to control the hydraulic drives of the quick coupler, in this case the control of the coupling drive device, preferably conveniently from the driver's cab of the construction machine.

[0035] It is further preferred that the quick coupler is equipped with at least two coupling elements of the second type, wherein at least the coupling end sections of the coupling elements of the second type are synchronously adjustable between the basic position and the operating position and vice versa. For example, at least two coupling elements of the second type are provided, which are arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the housing and are adjustable by means of a common coupling drive device. In this embodiment in particular, it is advantageous that the coupling drive device has a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, which is preferably aligned parallel to the transverse wall of the housing. Thus, two coupling elements of the second type can be actuated simultaneously on two different longitudinal sides.

[0036] It is understood that any number of adjustable coupling elements of the second type can be provided on both longitudinal sides. The number of adjustable coupling elements of the second type can be identical or different on both longitudinal sides. The arrangement of the coupling elements of the second type on both longitudinal sides can be symmetrical or asymmetrical; preferably, it is mirror-symmetrical.

[0037] Even if there are a large number of adjustable coupling elements of the second type on one longitudinal side, these can be actuated by means of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, for example if the hydraulic cylinder interacts with a coupling bridge against which the coupling elements of the second type rest.

[0038] In order to actuate the two opposing locking bolts, it is advantageous that the locking drive device has a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, which is preferably aligned parallel to the longitudinal wall of the housing.

[0039] A particularly secure locking device is achieved by providing a pair of locking bolts on each transverse side, arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. The two pairs of locking bolts are adjustable between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa, by means of a common drive device. It is preferred that the two locking bolts be designed to be movable separately from one another, but they can also be movable synchronously.

[0040] These locking bolts can be actuated, for example, by means of a hydraulic cylinder that can be actuated from two sides, which is part of the drive device and interacts with a locking bridge.

[0041] In a preferred further embodiment, it is provided that the drive device is at least one linear hydraulic drive which is hydraulically connected to at least one coupling element of a third type.

[0042] An embodiment in which the double-acting hydraulic cylinder of the locking drive device is arranged parallel to the longitudinal wall of the housing and the double-acting hydraulic cylinder of the coupling drive device is arranged parallel to the transverse wall of the housing has the advantage that they can be arranged in two planes so that the coupling element and the locking bolts and thus the coupling and locking function of the quick coupler do not influence each other.

[0043] The hydraulic connection is preferably established by means of a block cylinder. The first-type coupling element and the second-type coupling element can be connected or connectable directly to one another via a line that, for example, is routed through the block cylinder. However, the pressurized hydraulic fluid can also be conducted via the first-type coupling element into the block cylinder and forwarded to the second-type coupling element, for example, via a distribution device or other devices in the block cylinder. Several first-type coupling elements can also be hydraulically connected or connected to one or more second-type coupling elements, and vice versa.

[0044] It is advantageous that the block cylinder comprises a first block cylinder and a second block cylinder, wherein the second block cylinder is arranged below the first block cylinder, wherein the at least one coupling element of a second type is provided in the first block cylinder, and wherein at least part of the locking device is arranged in the plane of the second block cylinder. Thus, the locking device can be actuated independently of the coupling elements and supplied with a fluid as needed.

[0045] The second block cylinder is preferably firmly connected to the first block cylinder, e.g. by screwing, gluing, plugging, or is welded to it or even formed integrally with the first block cylinder.

[0046] If, in a preferred embodiment, the locking device comprises at least one drive device with a locking piston, wherein the locking piston serves to drive the at least two locking bolts, it is advantageous for the locking piston to be mounted inside the second block cylinder. This allows for a very compact design.

[0047] In an embodiment in which at least the coupling end section of the coupling element of the second type is adjustable between an operating position and a basic position and a coupling drive device is provided, it is advantageous that the coupling drive device is arranged in the first block cylinder

[0048] In order to arrange a hydraulic drive for a locking device and a plurality of coupling elements in a particularly compact manner, it is advantageous that an opening for the coupling element of the second type is provided in a longitudinal side of the block cylinder and an opening is provided in the second block cylinder on the transverse side of the block cylinder.

[0049] To enable easy installation of adjustable coupling elements of the second type into the quick coupler, it is preferred that the first block cylinder be T-shaped in cross-section with a base and a roof, with the at least one coupling element of the first type being arranged at the level of the roof and the at least one coupling element of the second type being arranged at the level of the base. Thus, even larger and more complexly designed coupling elements of the second type have sufficient space inside the housing.

[0050] The present invention further comprises a quick-change system comprising a described quick-change device and an adapter that can be connected to a work tool, wherein the quick-change device can be coupled to the adapter mechanically and hydraulically.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises two opposing adapter longitudinal sides and at least two transverse bolts, wherein the at least two transverse bolts are each connected at their end portions to the adapter longitudinal sides of the adapter in a bearing manner.

[0052] With this design, the changeover time from one adapter to the next can be significantly reduced, as, among other things, the complicated task of gripping a cross bolt of the adapter with a hook on the quick coupler can be eliminated.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, at least one counter-coupling element of a second type is arranged on at least one longitudinal side of the adapter, which counter-coupling element can be connected to the at least one coupling element of a second type. The counter-coupling element of a second type is preferably arranged on the inner sides of the longitudinal sides of the adapter.

[0054] It has proven advantageous for the second type of counter-coupling element to be designed as a connection block, which is preferably provided on the outside of the adapter. For example, the connection block can redirect outlets in a side wall, making them more easily accessible. Short description of the drawings:

[0055] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following drawings. However, the invention is by no means limited to these specific embodiments.

[0056] They show: Fig. 1a side view of the quick change system, Fig. 2a perspective transparent view of the quick changer, Fig. 3a perspective view of the double block cylinder, Fig. 4a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1 after a section according to AA, Fig. 6 an exploded drawing of the quick coupler without housing, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the quick coupler without housing according to. Fig. 6 , Fig. 8 a construction diagram of the Fig. 7 , Fig. 9 a schematic representation of the hydraulic connections between the coupling elements of the first type or the coupling elements of the third type and the coupling elements of the second type, Fig. 10 a plan view of the quick-change system in the coupled state, Fig. 11 a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the quick-change system in the coupled state, Fig. 12 an alternative embodiment of a quick coupler in perspective view and Fig. 13 an alternative embodiment of a block cylinder with locking and coupling elements.

[0057] Best mode for carrying out the invention and industrial applicability: Fig. 1 shows a side view of the quick-change system. The quick-change system consists of a quick coupler 10 and an adapter 70, which can be coupled together.

[0058] The quick coupler 10 comprises a housing 12 with an upper construction machine side or boom side housing wall 14, a lower

[0059] Housing wall 16 and side walls, namely two mutually oppositely arranged housing longitudinal walls 18 and two transverse housing walls 20 extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the quick coupler 10, as well as a double-decker block cylinder 26 with a first block cylinder 28 and a second block cylinder 30 inside the housing (see Fig. 3 ).

[0060] On the opposite longitudinal housing walls 18 of the quick coupler 10, a plurality of coupling elements of the first type 32, coupling elements of the second type 36, and coupling elements of the third type 32' are mounted in corresponding openings 22 in the housing 12. The coupling elements of the second type 36 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal housing wall 18 of the housing 12, while the coupling elements of the first type 32 and of the third type 32' are angled and point with their free end towards the upper housing wall 14. The coupling elements of the first type 32 and of the third type 32' are essentially identical in construction, but differ in their function, as explained below.

[0061] No coupling elements of the first type 32, coupling elements of the third type 32' and especially no coupling elements of the second type 36 are arranged on the upper construction machine-side or boom-side housing wall 14, the lower housing wall 16 arranged opposite thereto or on the housing transverse walls 20 of the housing 12.

[0062] In addition, Fig. 1 A pair of locking bolts 54 can be seen, which are arranged perpendicular to each housing transverse wall 20 and which extend into the interior of the housing 12 via corresponding openings in the housing transverse walls 20 of the housing 12. The two pairs of locking bolts 54 can be moved via the aforementioned openings in the housing 12 in opposite directions between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa. For this purpose, a locking device 24 is provided inside the housing 12, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0063] The longitudinal axis of the quick coupler 10 is defined by the direction of extension of the locking bolts 54 of the locking device 24 and corresponds to the longitudinal axis of conventional quick couplers according to the state of the art.

[0064] The shape of the housing 12 is composed of a main section with a rectangular cross-section and two hooks 21, each provided on a housing transverse wall 20 (wherein Fig. 1 only one hook 21 can be seen). The transition from the main section of the quick coupler 10 to the hooks 21 is smooth.

[0065] The adapter 70 comprises an adapter base 72 and two adapter longitudinal sides 74 extending parallel in the longitudinal direction of the adapter 70.

[0066] Each adapter longitudinal side 74 of the adapter 70 has two bores arranged opposite one another in the upper region, in each of which an end section of a cross bolt 78 is mounted, so that the two adapter longitudinal sides 74 are connected to one another via two cross bolts 78.

[0067] Furthermore, two schematically indicated counter-coupling elements of the second type 76 are located in the adapter longitudinal sides 74 of the adapter 70.

[0068] Each second-type counter-coupling element 76 of the adapter 70 is connectable to a hydraulic hose (not shown) that runs to a work tool (not shown) to which the adapter 70 is connectable. The second-type coupling element 36 serves to couple with corresponding second-type counter-coupling elements 76 of the adapter 70 for controlling a hydraulically operated tool.

[0069] The coupling element of the first type 32 or the coupling element of the third type 32' serves to couple with counter-coupling elements of the first type (not shown) to hydraulic hoses of a construction machine.

[0070] The essential functional difference between a first-type coupling element 32 and a third-type coupling element 32' is that each first-type coupling element 32 is hydraulically connected to at least one second-type coupling element 36, which serves to supply and / or return hydraulic fluid between the first-type coupling element 32 and the second-type coupling element 36. In contrast, the third-type coupling elements 32' do not serve to supply or return hydraulic fluid to the second-type coupling elements 36, but rather to supply hydraulic drives arranged inside the housing 12. The third-type coupling element 32' and the second-type coupling element 36 are therefore not hydraulically connected to one another.

[0071] Each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32' comprises a coupling section 31. Each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32' extends outwards through a recess in the longitudinal side 18 of the housing 12 perpendicular to the longitudinal side 18 of the housing and merges at an angle into the coupling end section 31 of the coupling element of the first type 32 or the coupling element of the third type 32', so that the coupling end section of each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32' points upwards.

[0072] Each of the coupling elements of the first type 32 or the coupling elements of the third type 32' is screwed to the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 by means of a swivel screw connection 34.

[0073] Inside each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32' there is preferably a valve that is open in the coupled state and closed in the uncoupled state. Furthermore, inside each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32' there may be further devices that serve, for example, to conduct and / or return hydraulic fluid in the coupled state and to ensure fluid tightness.

[0074] The first type of coupling element 32 and the third type of coupling element 32' are preferably quick-release coupling elements, which can be designed as a male or female coupling element. The first type of coupling elements 32 and the third type of coupling elements 32' are fixedly connected to the housing 12.

[0075] The coupling elements of the second type 36, however, are linearly perpendicular to the housing longitudinal walls 18 of the quick coupler 10 between a basic position and a closed position and are hydraulically movable or displaceable in Fig. 1 shown in operating position.

[0076] The coupling elements of the second type 36 consist of a coupling plug 40 and a coupling piston 42 (cf. Fig. 6 ), in this case consisting of a valve plug and a valve piston. They can be designed as male or female coupling elements. They are preferably quick-release coupling elements.

[0077] In the interior of each coupling element of the second type 36, preferably in the coupling plug 40 or as part of the coupling element of the second type 36, a valve is provided which is open in the coupled state and closed in the uncoupled state.

[0078] Each coupling element of the second type 36, i.e. at least the coupling end section 35 of each coupling element of the second type 36, extends outwards through a corresponding opening in the housing longitudinal side 18 of the quick coupler 10 perpendicular to the housing longitudinal side 18 of the quick coupler 10 in an operating position.

[0079] Inside the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10, the coupling pistons 42 of the coupling elements of the second type 36 extend into the first block cylinder 28 (cf. Fig. 6 ). Each clutch piston 42 of the second type clutch elements 36 is mounted in a recess 37 in the first block cylinder 28 (cf. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 ).

[0080] Fig. 2 shows a perspective transparency view of the quick coupler 10.

[0081] The block cylinder 26 is shown arranged entirely inside the housing 12, with a first block cylinder 28 and the second block cylinder 30, wherein the block cylinder 26 is aligned in the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the block cylinders 28, 30 and vice versa.

[0082] As in particular the Fig. 3 and 4 As can be seen, the first block cylinder 28 has a T-shaped cross-section, with a first plane 27 and a second plane 29. The second plane 29 of the first block cylinder 28 is set back from the first plane 27.

[0083] The second block cylinder 30 is located below the first block cylinder 28. The second block cylinder 30 is cuboid-shaped with a square cross-section and smaller than the first block cylinder 28. It extends at a distance from the edge of the first block cylinder 28 in the longitudinal direction of the first block cylinder 28, so that the cross-section of the block cylinder 26 tapers in a step-like manner from the first plane 27 of the first block cylinder 28 to the second block cylinder 30.

[0084] The first block cylinder 28 and the second block cylinder 30 can be connected to each other by screwing, gluing, plugging, or other means. The first block cylinder 28 and the second block cylinder 30 can also be integrally formed as a double block cylinder.

[0085] In Fig. 2 An embodiment is shown in which nine coupling elements of the first type 32 and / or coupling elements of the third type 32' are provided in the upper region of the first block cylinder 28. There are four on one longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28, and five on the opposite longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28.

[0086] Preferably, five of the coupling elements shown are first-type coupling elements 32, and four of them are third-type coupling elements 32'. The number of first-type coupling elements 32 is preferably equal to the number of second-type coupling elements 36, since each first-type coupling element 32 can be hydraulically coupled to each second-type coupling element 36. The recesses 33 in the first block cylinder 28 are aligned with the corresponding openings in the housing 12, so that the first-type coupling elements 32 and the third-type coupling elements 32' protrude into the recesses 33 of the first block cylinder 28 in the openings of the housing 12.

[0087] Located inside the first block cylinder 28 are hydraulic lines and, if applicable, distribution devices that are hydraulically connected to these nine coupling elements. Five of these lines run within the first block cylinder 28 to the second-type coupling elements 36 located below the level of the first-type coupling elements 32, so that the first-type coupling elements 32 and the second-type coupling elements 36 are hydraulically connected to one another. It is understood that several devices of the first block cylinder 28 can also be interposed within this connection, which will not be discussed in detail.

[0088] The lines of the coupling elements of the second type 36 also run into the first block cylinder 28 and are correspondingly hydraulically connected to the coupling elements of the first type 32.

[0089] The number and distribution of the coupling elements of the first type 32 and / or the coupling elements of the third type 32' can vary (cf. e.g. Fig. 3 ).

[0090] At the Fig. 3 In the illustrated embodiment of a block cylinder 28, preferably six recesses 33 are provided on one longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28 in the upper region, i.e., the first plane 27 of the first block cylinder 28, for receiving the coupling elements of the first type 32 and / or the coupling elements of the third type 32'. These six recesses 33 are arranged in a row.

[0091] On the oppositely arranged longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28 (not shown), preferably three further recesses 33 for receiving the first type of coupling elements 32 and / or the third type of coupling elements 32' are arranged in a similar manner in the first plane 29 of the first block cylinder 28. These recesses 33 are also preferably arranged in series.

[0092] Advantageously, all recesses 33 are provided with a thread into which the coupling elements of the first type 32 and / or the coupling elements of the third type 32' can be screwed via a counter-thread. It is understood that the inventive concept also encompasses alternative fastening variants or combinations thereof.

[0093] In the second plane 29 of the first block cylinder 28, four further recesses 37 are provided on the illustrated longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28. On the opposite longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28 (not shown), at least three further recesses 37 are recessed into the first block cylinder 28. The recesses 37 serve to support the second type of clutch elements 36, with one of the recesses on each longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28 serving to support a clutch bridge piston 48.

[0094] The recesses 37 in the first block cylinder 28 are aligned with the corresponding openings in the housing 12, so that the coupling elements of the second type 36 in the openings of the housing 12 protrude into the recesses 37 of the first block cylinder 28.

[0095] The coupling elements of the second type 36 are mounted in the recesses 37 so as to be adjustable, in particular movable, in particular tiltable, and / or pivotable. The coupling elements of the second type 36 can be configured as a whole, i.e., as a complete unit, to be adjustable, in particular movable, tiltable, and / or pivotable. Alternatively, however, only parts of a coupling element of the second type 36, such as the coupling end sections of the coupling elements of the second type 36, can be configured so as to be adjustable, in particular movable, tiltable, and / or pivotable, with other parts of the coupling element of the second type 36 being firmly anchored in the recesses 37, e.g., by a thread.

[0096] Recesses 68 are located in the opposing end faces of the second block cylinder 30, which are connected to each other via a channel. A double-sidedly actuated locking bridge piston 58 of a locking device 24 is movably mounted in this channel and can move in the longitudinal direction of the second block cylinder 30. The locking device 24 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0097] The coupling elements of the second type 36 are connected to a coupling drive device 38, which will be described below with reference to the Fig. 6 and 7 will be discussed in more detail.

[0098] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the quick coupler 10 without the housing 12 in an exploded view. The second block cylinder 30 and the first block cylinder 28 arranged below the second block cylinder 30 are visible. On the long sides of the first block cylinder 28, two or three coupling elements of the second type 36 are mounted in recesses 37 (not shown).

[0099] The coupling elements of the second type 36 each comprise a coupling plug 40 and a coupling piston 42, wherein the coupling pistons 42 are aligned parallel to one another. They are connected to a coupling drive device 38 which can move the coupling elements of the second type 36 between a basic position (protective position) and an operating position (coupling position).

[0100] For this purpose, the clutch drive device 38 comprises a partial clutch drive device 38a and 38b on each longitudinal side of the first block cylinder 28. The partial clutch drive devices 38a and 38b are mirror-symmetrical.

[0101] Each partial clutch drive device 38a, 38b comprises a clutch bridge 46 and a double-sidedly actuated clutch bridge piston 48. The clutch bridge 46 has a rectangular cross-section.

[0102] The clutch bridge piston 48 is firmly connected to the clutch bridge 46, for example via a screw.

[0103] Each clutch bridge 46 is connected to at least three guide devices 44 on the block cylinder side. The number of guide devices 44 corresponds to the number of second clutches 36 plus the number of clutch bridge pistons 48. The guide devices 44 are preferably ring-shaped and enclose through openings of the clutch bridge 46 on the block cylinder side.

[0104] On the side of the coupling bridge 46 facing away from the block cylinder, the coupling plugs 40 of the coupling elements of the second type 36 are arranged in the region of the openings of the coupling bridge 46, preferably firmly connected to the coupling bridge 46.

[0105] In each guide device 44 and the corresponding through opening in the clutch bridge piston 48, at least one section of a clutch bridge piston 48 is movably mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first block cylinder 28 or, alternatively, is fixedly connected in sections to the guide device 44 and / or to the edge of the opening of the clutch bridge 46, depending on whether only the coupling plug 40 or the entire coupling element of the second type 36 is designed to be movable.

[0106] The clutch bridge piston 48 is mounted in a recess 37 in the first block cylinder 28 and is in hydraulic connection with at least one clutch element of the third type 32'.

[0107] Each clutch bridge piston 48 can move between at least two positions, a position close to the block cylinder and a position far from the block cylinder.

[0108] In the position of the clutch bridge pistons 48 near the block cylinder, the two clutch bridges 46 of the partial clutch drive devices 38a and 38b are also in a position near the block cylinder, and thus also the clutch end sections, such as the clutch plugs 46 of the second-type clutch elements 36. Preferably, the clutch drive device 38 is dimensioned such that, in this position, the clutch plugs 46 are completely located inside the housing 12 (not shown) of the quick coupler 10, i.e., the entire second clutch elements 36 extend within the housing 12. This position is the basic position (protective position) of the second-type clutch elements 36.

[0109] The clutch bridge pistons 48 can be moved from the basic position into the position remote from the block cylinder, whereby the clutch plugs 46 or the clutch plugs 46 with clutch pistons 42 can also be moved into the position remote from the block cylinder.

[0110] The coupling drive device 38 is dimensioned such that at least one coupling end section, preferably the entire coupling plug 46, of each second-type coupling element 36 is located outside the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 in the position remote from the block cylinder. This position is the operating position (coupling position) of the second-type coupling elements 36.

[0111] The clutch bridge pistons 48 are controlled via at least one third-type clutch element 32', which can be coupled to the hydraulic system of a construction machine. The two partial clutch drive devices 38a, 38b are preferably synchronous, i.e., can be moved together.

[0112] Furthermore, in the Fig. 6 bis 8 the locking device 24 can be clearly seen.

[0113] The locking device 24 comprises, on each transverse side of the second block cylinder 30, a first partial locking device 24a and a second partial locking device 24b extending in the longitudinal direction of the second block cylinder 30. The partial locking devices 24a and 24b are constructed with mirror symmetry.

[0114] Each partial locking device 24a, 24b comprises a locking bridge 56 and a bolt drive 60 with a locking bridge piston 58.

[0115] The locking bridge piston 58 is thus aligned perpendicular to the clutch pistons 42.

[0116] The locking bridge 56 can be divided into a central section 67 and two oppositely directed side sections 69, which extend to the left and right of the central section 67 of the locking bridge 56. The side sections 69 are arranged in a line and are set back from the central section 67 of the locking bridge 56 toward the second block cylinder 30. In other words, the central section 67 of the locking bridge 56 is further away from the second block cylinder 30 than the side sections 69 of the locking bridge 56.

[0117] The locking bridge piston 58 is a conventional piston, a portion of which is movably mounted inside the second block cylinder 30 and defines at least one hydraulic chamber inside the second block cylinder 30. According to the invention, the overall system is referred to as a bolt drive 60, although alternative bolt drives 60 can also be implemented according to the invention, e.g., an electric drive.

[0118] With its end section remote from the block cylinder, the locking bridge piston 58 is firmly connected, preferably screwed, to the locking bridge 56 in the area of ​​the middle section 67 of the locking bridge 56.

[0119] In the area of ​​the side sections 69 of the locking bridge 56, a locking bolt 54 is mounted, preferably screwed on. The locking bolts 54 extend away from the second block cylinder 30. They preferably extend parallel to each other and form a pair of locking bolts 54. Each locking bolt 54 is provided with a centering section 64 (see. Fig. 8 ).

[0120] Each partial locking device 24a and 24b is preferably individually controllable, so that each locking bridge piston 58 of each partial locking device 24a and 24b can move separately between at least two positions, a position close to the block cylinder and a position remote from the block cylinder.

[0121] In the position of the locking bridge piston 58 of a partial locking device 24a and 24b near the block cylinder, the corresponding pair of locking bolts 54 with the corresponding locking bridge 56 is also in a position near the block cylinder. This position of the pair of locking bolts 54 is referred to according to the invention as the open position.

[0122] Each locking bridge piston 58, and thus also each pair of locking bolts 54, can be moved from the open position to the position remote from the block cylinder. According to the invention, this position is the closed position. In this position, the locking bolts protrude through openings in the transverse wall of the housing 12.

[0123] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1 after a cut according to AA. For details, please refer to the explanations regarding the Fig. 6 bis 8 referred to.

[0124] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the hydraulic connections between the first-type coupling elements 32 and the second-type coupling elements 36, as well as the third-type coupling elements 32' and the clutch bridge pistons 48. Five first-type coupling elements 32, four third-type coupling elements 32', and five second-type coupling elements 36 are shown here. Each first-type coupling element 32 is hydraulically connected to a second-type coupling element 36. Two third-type coupling elements 32' are hydraulically connected to the clutch bridge pistons 48. The remaining two third-type coupling elements 32' in the center of the first block cylinder 28 are hydraulically connected to the locking bridge pistons 58 of the second block cylinder 30 (not shown).

[0125] The coupling elements of the first type 32 and the coupling elements of the third type 32' can be coupled directly to the hydraulic system of a construction machine, whereas the coupling elements of the second type 36 can be coupled to the hydraulic system of an adapter 70.

[0126] The Fig. 10 and 11 show the quick-change system in the coupled state. Together with Fig. 1 The coupling between the quick coupler 10 and the adapter 70 is now described in more detail.

[0127] The starting point is that the quick coupler 10 is mounted in the usual manner on a boom of a construction machine. The hydraulic hoses of the construction machine with their second-type mating coupling elements are attached to the first-type coupling elements 32 and the third-type coupling elements 32' of the quick coupler 10, so that the hydraulic system of the quick coupler 10 is coupled to the hydraulic system of the construction machine. The hydraulic system of the quick coupler 10 is then under constant pressure during the coupling process, in particular the at least one second-type coupling element 36, the at least one coupling drive device 32, and the at least one locking device 24.

[0128] In order to connect the quick coupler 10 to the adapter, two different coupling scenarios are conceivable depending on how far the locking bolts 54 of the locking device 24 protrude from the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 in the open position of the locking device 24 and how far the corresponding cross bolts 78 of the adapter 70 are spaced from each other, both of which are encompassed by the inventive concept and are described below.

[0129] In the first scenario, in which the locking bolts 54 of the locking device 24 are in close contact with the housing 12 in the open position and / or the distance between the cross bolts 78 of the adapter 70 is large, the quick coupler 10 is guided over the adapter 70 until it is aligned with the adapter. The quick coupler 10 can then be lowered until the lower housing wall 16 of the quick coupler 10 rests on the base 72 of the adapter 70 and the adapter longitudinal sides 74 of the adapter 70 frame the quick coupler 10. In this position, the locking bolts 58 can extend into the closed position on the opposite sides of the quick coupler 10 in the manner described and engage under the cross bolts 78 of the adapter 70.

[0130] In a further step, the second-type coupling elements 36, driven by the coupling drive device 38, can extend perpendicularly to the housing's longitudinal side 18 of the quick coupler 10 until they are hydraulically coupled to the second-type counter-coupling elements 76 on the adapter 70. The second-type counter-coupling elements 76 on the adapter are connected to additional hydraulic hoses, so that the work tool on the adapter 70 is now coupled to the hydraulic system of the quick coupler 10 and thus also to the hydraulic system of the construction machine. The work tool is immediately ready for use.

[0131] In the second scenario, the quick coupler 10 is positioned at an angle to the adapter 70 and lowered until a first cross pin 78 of the adapter 70 slides into the space between the lug 21 on the quick coupler 10 and the first pair of locking pins 54 on the same side. The quick coupler 10 then pivots into a locked position in which the oppositely arranged pair of locking pins 54 are located below the second cross pin 78 of the adapter 70 and the adapter's longitudinal sides 74 of the adapter 70 encompass the quick coupler 10. The pairs of locking pins 54 arranged on the quick coupler 10 and facing opposite one another now move into their closed position, thus ensuring a secure connection between the quick coupler 10 and the adapter 70.

[0132] In a further step, the coupling elements of the second type 36 now extend to couple with the counter coupling elements of the second type 76 on the adapter 70, as already described above.

[0133] The decoupling between adapter 70 and quick coupler 10 is carried out in the reverse order.

[0134] The number and distribution of the first type coupling elements 32, the second type coupling elements 36 and the third type coupling elements 32' can vary depending on requirements.

[0135] In the designs presented so far, the number of coupling elements on both sides of the quick coupler is different. Fig. 12 In the embodiment shown, the number of coupling elements is the same on both sides. Fig. 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the quick-change system 110 has two second-type coupling elements 136 and two second-type counter-coupling elements 176 on each of the two longitudinal sides of the quick-change device 112 and the adapter 170, respectively. They are even arranged symmetrically. It is understood that the number of second-type coupling elements or second-type counter-coupling elements and / or their arrangement can vary depending on the requirements of the quick-change system.

[0136] In the Fig. 12 In the adapter 170 shown, the counter-coupling element of the second type 176 is designed on the adapter longitudinal side 174 as a connection block 180, in which the part of the counter-coupling element that protrudes from the adapter 170 is angled, so that the outlet 182 of the counter-coupling element 176 of the second type points downwards.

[0137] While in the Fig. 1 bis 11 illustrated embodiments of the locking bolt 154 or locking bridge piston 158 is screwed to the locking bridge 156, show Fig. 12 and 13 An embodiment of a quick coupler 110 in which a rotary lock is provided instead of a screw connection. For this purpose, an elongated hole 190 is provided in the locking bridge 156, and the locking bolt 154 or the locking bridge piston has a pin with an elongated head 190 on its end face. The locking bolt 154 or the locking bridge piston is inserted into the elongated hole 192 by means of a pin with an elongated head 192 and rotated for fastening so that the elongated head 192 is aligned perpendicular to the elongated hole 190. The coupling elements of the second type 136 are attached to the coupling bridge 146 in a similar manner.

[0138] The inventive concept also includes the fact that the locking device 24 is equipped with a pair of locking bolts 54 on one side only and that on the opposite side, as is known in the prior art, a hook can be arranged, for example, on the housing.

[0139] It is understood that, within the scope of the invention, individual features presented in connection with an embodiment can be combined with one another.

Claims

1. A quick-changer as part of a quick-changing-system for construction machines, comprising - a housing (12; 112) with two opposing longitudinal walls (18), two opposing transverse walls (20), an upper side and a bottom side, - a block cylinder (28, 30) inside the housing (12; 112), - a locking device (24) with at least one locking bolt (54; 154) and a drive device, wherein the at least one locking bolt (54; 154) protrudes from one of the two transverse walls (20) in a locked position, - at least one coupling element of the first kind (32) with a coupling end section (31) and at least one coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) with a coupling end section (35), - wherein the at least one coupling element of the first kind (32) and the at least one coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) are hydraulically connected to each other, and - wherein the at least one coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is arranged at one of the two longitudinal walls (18) of the housing (12; 112), characterized in that the locking device (24) comprises at least two locking bolts (54; 154) which point into opposite directions and are adjustable between a closing position and an opening position and vice versa by means of a common drive device.

2. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one coupling element of the first kind (32) is arranged on a longitudinal wall of the housing (12; 112).

3. The quick-changer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is adjustable between an operating position and a basic position, wherein the coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) protrudes from the longitudinal wall (20) of the housing (12; 112) in the operating position.

4. The quick-changer according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is connected to a coupling drive device (38), so that at least the second coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is adjustable between the basic position and the operating position and vice versa.

5. The quick-changer (10, 110) according to one of the claims 3 and 4, characterized in that at least two coupling elements of the second kind (36; 136) are provided that are arranged on opposing longitudinal walls (18) of the housing (12; 112) and are adjustable by means of a common coupling drive device (38), wherein the coupling drive device (38) has a double-acting hydraulic cylinder that is preferably aligned parallel to the transverse wall (20) of the housing (12; 112).

6. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device has a double-acting hydraulic cylinder which is preferably aligned parallel to the longitudinal wall (20) of the housing (12; 112).

7. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device has a locking bridge (56; 156).

8. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block cylinder (26) has a first block cylinder (28) and a second block cylinder (30), wherein the second block cylinder (30) is arranged below the first block cylinder (28), wherein the at least one coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is provided in the first block cylinder (28) and wherein at least a part of the locking device (24) is arranged in the plane of the second block cylinder (30).

9. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking device (24) comprises at least one drive device with a locking piston, wherein the locking piston is mounted inside the second block cylinder (30).

10. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to one of the claims 8 or 9, characterized in that at least the coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is adjustable between an operating position and a basic position, and in that a coupling drive device (38) is provided, wherein the coupling drive device (38) is arranged in the first block cylinder (28).

11. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to one of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that an opening (37) for the coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is provided in a longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder (28) and that an opening (68) is provided on the transverse wall of the block cylinder (26) in the second block cylinder (30).

12. The quick-changer (10; 110) according to one of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first block cylinder (28) is T-shaped in cross-section with a base and a roof, wherein the at least one coupling element of the first kind (32) is arranged at the plane of the roof and the at least one coupling element of the second kind (36; 136) is arranged at the plane of the base.

13. A quick-changing-system comprising a quick-changer (10; 110) with the features according to one of the claims 1 to 12 and an adapter (70; 170) which is connectable to a working tool, wherein the quick-changer (10; 110) is mechanically and hydraulically couplable to the adapter (70; 170).

14. The quick-changing-system according to claim 13, characterized in that the adapter (70; 170) comprises two opposing longitudinal adapter sides (74; 174) and two transverse bolts (78), wherein the two transverse bolts (78) each are connected to the longitudinal adapter sides (74; 174) of the adapter (70; 170) at their end sections.

15. The quick-changing system according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one counter-coupling element of the second kind (76; 176) is arranged on at least one longitudinal adapter side (74; 174) of the adapter (70; 170), which is hydraulically connectable to the at least one coupling element of the second kind (36; 136), wherein the counter-coupling element of the second kind (76; 176) is preferably designed as connection block (180).