WORK MACHINE WITH COUPLING DEVICE FOR FLUID-CARRYING LINES AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AN OPERATING STATE OF A WORK MACHINE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for producing an operating state of such a working machine.

[0002] The state of the art includes a wide variety of construction machines with attachable or interchangeable tools. These attachments are often fastened to the booms of the machines using quick-release couplings. Modern quick-release coupling systems not only provide a mechanical connection between the attachment and the boom, but also, in the case of attachments with hydraulic actuators, often automatically connect the hydraulic lines. Such hydraulic quick-release couplings, as described, for example, in EP 1 239 087 A1, are primarily used on hydraulic excavators, but increasingly also on other construction machines such as wheel loaders (see, for example, DE 10 2019 126 439 A1 or DE 10 2020 110 523 A1).

[0003] A key feature of such hydraulic quick-coupling systems is the presence of two coupling components that are brought together when connecting the attachment and boom, and which remain mechanically and fluidly connected during operation. Since the relative position of the mounting points for the coupling components on the attachment and the boom typically does not change, the hydraulic continuity of the coupling is ensured.

[0004] However, a number of work tools exist that can assume several discrete positions or working positions. An example of this can be found on demolition excavators, which typically have a demolition attachment and a backhoe attachment that can be mounted via mechanical quick couplers on a boom section or pivot point of the base unit (usually a carrier unit of a hydraulic excavator with a rotating superstructure). The backhoe attachment comprises a boom section that connects to a boom section on the machine and has a hydraulically movable backhoe bucket at the opposite end. Often, the backhoe attachment has several possible working positions, with one of the boom sections having multiple mounting points. Depending on the selected mounting point, this results in different inclinations of the backhoe attachment relative to the boom section on the machine.

[0005] Due to the various working positions and boom angles at the joint between the boom sections, conventional hydraulic couplings with two coupling halves permanently attached to the respective boom sections can no longer be used. Therefore, the hydraulic couplings are typically engaged and locked manually after the backhoe attachment has been locked in a specific working position. The couplings on the attachment side are usually not attached to the structure or the boom section, but rather have loose ends with hydraulic connections. After the boom sections have been mechanically locked, these connections are made to the machine-side boom using appropriate hydraulic hoses. The couplings on the machine side can be attached to the machine's steel structure or to the machine-side boom section.To enable a continuous hydraulic connection in different working positions, the hydraulic hoses on the equipment side usually have a greater hose length to compensate for the different positions and articulation angles of the backhoe attachment without disconnecting the hydraulic connections.

[0006] Other solutions, such as the system shown in EP 3 434 828 A1, rely on a pivotable mounting of one of the hydraulic coupling parts laterally on the boom, so that the mechanically and hydraulically coupled coupling parts can adapt to a change in working position.

[0007] A machine of this type is known from DE 693 28 026 T2.

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to enable a flexible, stable and easy-to-manufacture or detach coupling of the fluid-conducting supply lines in an attachment tool with multiple working positions.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a machine with the features of claim 1, a coupling device with the features of claim 14, and a method with the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] Accordingly, a working machine is proposed which comprises a first boom section, a second boom section detachably connected to the first boom section, a first fluid-carrying line, at least one second fluid-carrying line, and a coupling device for reversibly connecting the first and second lines. The at least one first line is arranged on the first boom section, and the at least one second line is arranged on the second boom section. The first boom section can be a pivoting element, which is pivotably attached, in particular about a horizontal axis, to the upper structure of the working machine. The second boom section can be part of an attachment, such as a backhoe bucket of a demolition excavator or any other attachment. The coupling device is, in particular, a quick-release coupling.The fluid-carrying lines may be hydraulic lines.

[0011] The coupling device comprises a first coupling part fluidly connected to the at least one first line and a second coupling part fluidly connected to the at least one second line and connected to the second boom part. The coupling device further comprises a pivoting part connected to the first boom part, which is pivotable about a pivot axis. The pivoting part and the coupling parts are arranged and designed such that the first coupling part can be fluidly coupled to the second coupling part by pivoting the pivoting part about the pivot axis.

[0012] According to the invention, the machine includes a locking mechanism by which the first coupling part can be mechanically connected to the pivoting part for coupling and disconnecting the coupling parts, for example, by at least one bolted connection. This allows the first coupling part to pivot about the pivot axis together with the pivoting part in order to bring the coupling parts together for coupling or to separate them for uncoupling. Once the two coupling parts have been brought together, the first coupling part is in a state in which it is connected or coupled to the second coupling part. It can then be detached from the pivoting part by means of the locking mechanism, i.e., mechanically separated from it. Subsequently, the pivoting part can be pivoted about the pivot axis independently of the first coupling part, since these two parts are no longer mechanically connected to each other.

[0013] By separating the connection between the first coupling part and the swivel part, the first coupling part, coupled to the second coupling part, no longer has a fixed mechanical connection to the first boom part. The coupling, however, is connected to the second boom part and can be moved with it, for example, to change the working position of an attachment encompassing the second boom part, thereby changing the orientation of the second boom part relative to the first boom part. This is not possible with conventional quick-coupling systems, where each coupling part is permanently or rigidly (albeit possibly movable or swiveling) connected to its boom part, because a change in the relative orientation of the boom parts would also change the orientation of the coupling parts relative to each other.

[0014] In the present invention, the first coupling part can therefore be mechanically decoupled from the swiveling part after coupling with the second coupling part has been achieved during operation. The at least one first fluid-carrying line, which remains connected to the first coupling part, is particularly flexible and long enough to allow movement of the second boom part relative to the first boom part, during which the coupled coupling parts also move. During operation, the first coupling part is therefore connected to the machine-side first boom part or to the carrier device only via the at least one first line.

[0015] During the coupling and uncoupling of the two coupling parts, the first coupling part is connected to the swivel part, enabling precise, defined, and, in particular, automated assembly and disassembly of the fluid-conducting coupling. This is the key advantage over the known solution with manually connected fluid lines in terms of time and effort.

[0016] The coupling components can have a series of identical and / or differently designed connection connectors that are coupled or connected to each other when the coupling components are coupled, thereby creating fluid-conducting connections. The coupling components can form a quick-release coupling.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the second coupling part is permanently connected to the second boom section, meaning it is not detached from it either during operation or when separating the second boom section from the first. This includes both a rigid or fixed attachment of the second coupling part to the second boom section and a movable mounting, for example, a pivot bearing. Preferably, however, the second coupling part is fixed, i.e., immovably attached to the second boom section. This includes the second coupling part being mounted on or in a support frame, for example, a spring-loaded mounting, which in turn is rigidly connected to the second boom section. In this case, the support frame can be considered, in particular, as part of the second coupling part.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the swiveling part can be permanently connected to the first boom part, i.e., it is also not detached from the first boom part.

[0019] In another possible embodiment, the swiveling element can be pivoted about the pivoting axis by means of an actuator, in particular a hydraulic cylinder. This allows for fully automatic coupling (and disconnection) of the first and second fluid-carrying lines, which can be controlled, for example, from the operator's cab of the machine. Manual connection or disconnection of the couplings or fluid-carrying lines is not required, which speeds up and simplifies the process. The pivoting axis can be horizontally oriented, or the swiveling element can be pivotably mounted on the upper side of the first boom section.

[0020] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that after the first coupling part is detached from the pivoting part, there is no direct rigid connection between the first coupling part and the first boom part. That is, the first coupling part is no longer rigidly connected to the first boom part (e.g., via the pivoting part), but only via the connection between the first and second boom parts, which can be movable, particularly during changes in working position. This includes the case where, after detaching from the pivoting part, the first coupling part is connected to the at least one first line, which in turn can be rigidly arranged on the first boom part. Since the at least one first line is particularly flexible, the first coupling part can be moved relative to the first boom part (and thus relative to the pivoting part) after detachment from the pivoting part.The fluid-conducting connection between the two coupling parts remains intact. In particular, after the mechanical connection between the swivel part and the first coupling part is released, the former can be pivoted relative to the latter about the pivot axis.

[0021] The term "direct rigid connection" therefore means, in particular, that the first coupling part is no longer rigidly connected to the first boom section via the swivel part or via any other element attached to the first boom section (apart from the at least one fluid-carrying line), but is now connected to the second boom section. The connection between the first and second boom sections does not, in this sense, constitute a "direct rigid connection." Therefore, after the first coupling part is detached from the swivel part, there is no direct rigid connection between the first coupling part and the first boom section in any direction.

[0022] In another possible embodiment, the second boom section can be connected to the first boom section in at least two different positions and moved between a first working position and a second working position. These working positions can be discrete or continuous. In particular, the boom sections can be coupled to each other via bolt connections, which preferably form two parallel locking axes. One of the locking axes / bolt connections can remain connected or plugged in during the change between working positions and serve as a pivot axis, while the other bolt connection is released and other bolt receptacles are used to form this locking axis, resulting in a different orientation or inclination of the second boom section relative to the first boom section.Of course, other locking mechanisms and movement sequences for connecting the boom parts and changing between different working positions are also conceivable.

[0023] After the connection between the first coupling part and the swivel part is released, the first coupling part is connected to the second boom part, in particular, firmly connected. However, there is no longer a firm connection to the first boom part. When changing the working position, the first coupling part, together with the second boom part, is therefore movable relative to the first boom part, so that the fluid-conducting connections established by the coupling device are not released. The two coupling parts can remain securely connected to each other, in particular locked, while the second boom part is being moved.

[0024] In another possible embodiment, the locking mechanism is arranged on or in the first coupling part. This allows the same locking mechanism to be used both for locking the first coupling part to the swivel part and for locking the two coupling parts together.

[0025] In another possible embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises at least one actuator by means of which the first coupling part can be locked to and unlocked from the swivel part in a coupling position of the swivel part. Preferably, the actuator is supplied via a flexible hydraulic line arranged on the first boom part, which can either be connected directly to the actuator or supply it via the first coupling part (in this case, the hydraulic line is in particular one of the first fluid-carrying lines). Preferably, two actuators are provided to lock the coupling parts, as well as the first coupling part and the swivel part, to each other via two locking axes.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one actuator for locking and unlocking the first coupling part can be operated from a driver's cab and / or via a control unit mounted on the machine or a mobile control unit. This eliminates the need for manual locking / unlocking, simplifying and speeding up the process.

[0027] In another possible embodiment, the first coupling part can be locked to the second coupling part by means of the locking mechanism in the coupling position of the swivel part. This firmly connects the two coupling parts, preventing the fluid-conducting connections from separating.

[0028] Preferably, the locking mechanism is designed such that the locking of the coupling parts occurs simultaneously with the unlocking of the first coupling part and the swivel part, and vice versa, particularly via the same at least one actuator. Thus, while the first coupling part is being released or unlocked from the swivel part, the two coupling parts on the other side are locked simultaneously, and particularly via the same actuator(s) (and vice versa). This halves the number of actuators required for operation.

[0029] In another possible embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder as an actuator. This cylinder is connected to or equipped with bolts that can be inserted into corresponding bolt receptacles on the second coupling part or on the pivot part by actuating the hydraulic cylinder. This allows the same actuator to be used for simultaneously unlocking the first coupling part and pivot part and locking both coupling parts. For example, while a first bolt, which is slidable on or within the first coupling part and hydraulically actuated, is being pulled out of a bolt receptacle on the pivot part (unlocking), a second bolt on the opposite side is being inserted into a corresponding bolt receptacle in or on the second coupling part (locking). The reverse process (locking the pivot part and first coupling part, unlocking the coupling parts) is carried out analogously.Because the actuator is designed as a double-acting cylinder, whose piston rods are connected to the bolts or designed as bolts, it is not necessary to use multiple actuators for the different locking and unlocking operations.

[0030] Preferably at least two double-acting hydraulic cylinders are provided, in particular four, wherein two hydraulic cylinders are arranged laterally and form a common locking axis.

[0031] Preferably, each hydraulic cylinder is connected to or provided with an outer bolt for insertion into a bolt receptacle on the pivoting part and with an inner bolt for insertion into a bolt receptacle on the second coupling part. Extending the at least one hydraulic cylinder outwards locks the first coupling part to the pivoting part via the outer bolt. Extending the at least one hydraulic cylinder inwards locks the first coupling part to the second coupling part via the inner bolt.

[0032] During the locking / unlocking phase, manufacturing tolerances may cause an offset between the bolts and the associated bolt receptacles or locking holes. InIn another possible embodiment, chamfers are provided on the bolts and / or the bolt receptacles to facilitate insertion of the bolts into the receptacles. These chamfers are specifically designed as circumferential bevels.

[0033] Preferably, each hydraulic cylinder has (or is connected to) an inner and an outer bolt, as described above, with chamfers arranged on the bolts. The chamfers are preferably formed as circumferential bevels around the bolt ends. Preferably, the chamfers on the outer bolt and the chamfers on the inner bolt are designed differently. In particular, the chamfers have different angles of inclination with respect to the respective longitudinal axis of the bolt and / or different lengths along the respective longitudinal axis of the bolt. This allows concentricity errors due to manufacturing tolerances to be compensated for without overloading the cylinders, plates, hydraulic connections, and bolts.

[0034] In another possible embodiment, the coupling device includes a sensor system that detects the coupling position of the swiveling part. This enables fully automatic locking / unlocking of the coupling device, for example, from the driver's cab. For this to work, the driver needs to know when the coupling parts or the swiveling part are in the correct position to be locked together and the locking mechanism engaged. Since the coupling device is usually not visible, or only insufficiently visible, from the driver's cab, this information is provided by the sensor system, which includes at least one sensor for detecting the position or coupling position of the swiveling part.

[0035] Preferably, the machine has a control unit for controlling the at least one actuator of the locking mechanism, which is connected to the sensor system or the at least one sensor and is configured to allow actuation of the at least one actuator only when the pivoting part is in the engaged position. This prevents incorrect operation.

[0036] In another possible embodiment, the coupling position of the pivoting part is derived directly from the position of the pivoting part itself, rather than from the position of an actuator. The coupling position (which can also be referred to as the locking position, since the two coupling parts can be locked together in this position) is defined by a mechanical stop that, upon reaching the coupling position, abuts a corresponding counter-stop, thus positioning the pivoting part precisely in the coupling position. The stop is preferably located on the pivoting part and interacts with a counter-stop on the second coupling part or on the second extension arm. Compared to a solution that detects the position of an associated actuator rather than the position of the part to be locked directly, this direct solution is closer to the locking function.

[0037] The at least one sensor of the sensor system described above is preferably an inductive sensor that detects when the coupling position of the swivel part has been reached by detecting the stop or counter-stop and in particular transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit.

[0038] In another possible embodiment, the coupling parts are designed such that, when the pivoting part is moved into the coupling position, they move towards each other on a circular path around the pivot axis, thereby automatically coupling to each other in a fluid-conducting manner. At least one of the two coupling parts, in particular the second coupling part, is pivotably mounted about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the pivoting part and is furthermore mounted to be movable or displaceable perpendicular to this axis, in particular by means of a spring device. Preferably, the coupling device includes a linear guide which, in conjunction with the movable mounting of the movable coupling part, is designed to compensate for the relative movement of the two coupling parts along a circular path when pivoting together and to guide the two coupling parts linearly, i.e., along a straight line, towards each other during coupling.For this purpose, the linear guide on the coupling parts can have cooperating guide elements during coupling, which can be designed, for example, as guide pins and bores that interlock before the connecting connectors of the coupling parts are brought together and effect a precisely linear relative movement. In particular, the coupling parts can be designed as quick-release couplings according to EP 1 239 087 A1 and can furthermore include a centering device according to DE 10 2020 110 523 A1. Here, the (first) coupling part, which is not movable (i.e., not mounted via a spring device), is connected to or connectable from the pivoting part and can be detached from it. Explicit reference is hereby made to both of the aforementioned disclosures.

[0039] The present invention further relates to a method for producing an operating state of the machine according to the invention, i.e., in particular a state in which the position of the second boom section relative to the first boom section can be changed, while the fluid-carrying coupling of the first and second lines via the two coupling parts remains intact and fully functional. The method comprises the following steps: Pivoting the pivoting part about the pivot axis into the coupling position, wherein the first coupling part is locked to the pivoting part via the locking mechanism, i.e., mechanically connected; locking the first coupling part to the second coupling part by means of the locking mechanism; releasing the locking between the first coupling part and the pivoting part by means of the locking mechanism, so that they are no longer rigidly connected to each other (in this state, the first coupling part is no longer directly and rigidly connected to the first boom part), wherein the unlocking preferably occurs simultaneously with the locking of the two coupling parts; and preferably pivoting the pivoting part back about the pivot axis out of the coupling position (i.e., away from the first coupling part), so that, in particular, there is no longer any contact between the pivoting part and the first coupling part.

[0040] The reverse process is carried out in reverse order: the swiveling part is pivoted into the coupling position and locked to the first coupling part. Subsequently, or preferably simultaneously, the locking mechanism of the two coupling parts is released (particularly by means of the same locking mechanism), so that the first coupling part is now firmly connected to the swiveling part and no longer firmly connected to the second coupling part. Now, if necessary, the first coupling part can be removed from the second coupling part by pivoting the swiveling part back, allowing, for example, the second boom section to be detached from the first boom section.

[0041] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1a-b: a first example of a working machine known from the prior art in a side view, showing different working positions of the attachment; Fig. 2: a second example of a working machine known from the prior art in a side view; Fig. 3: a perspective view of the open coupling device of a working machine according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 4: the open coupling device in another view; Fig. 5: the coupling device according to Fig. 4 in coupled state; Fig. 6: the coupling device according to Fig. 4 and 5 , wherein the pivoting part separated from the first coupling part has been pivoted back; and Fig. 7: a sectional view through the coupled coupling device.

[0042] In the Figure 1a and 1bFigure 1 is an example of a known work machine from the prior art, shown in a side view. This example is a hydraulic excavator comprising an undercarriage 3 with crawler tracks and a superstructure 4, rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation on the undercarriage 3, which includes a driver's cab. A first boom section 1, in the form of a pivoting linkage that can be swivelled about a horizontal axis via one or more hydraulic cylinders, is articulated to the superstructure 4.

[0043] An attachment 5 is mounted to the end of the first boom section 1 opposite the superstructure 4. In the example shown, the attachment 5 is a backhoe bucket for demolition work. The machine shown is therefore used as a demolition excavator. The attachment 5 comprises a second boom section 2 and a hydraulically movable backhoe bucket, with the second boom section 2 being connected at its end opposite the backhoe bucket to the free end of the first boom section 1. For this purpose, the ends of the first and second boom sections 1, 2 have corresponding connecting elements, in this case in the form of two bolted connections that form two locking axes 8, 9 (see Figure 1b ).

[0044] The attachment tool 5 shown here has two discrete working positions, which are described in the Figure 1a and 1bAs shown, a first locking axis 8 is formed by a bolted connection, which remains engaged in every working position and serves as a pivot axis for the attachment tool 5. The parallel second locking axis 9 is repositioned to change the working position, so that the attachment tool 5, and thus the second boom section 2, is inclined relative to the first boom section 1 about the first locking axis 8. For this purpose, the second boom section 2 (or alternatively, the first boom section 1) has two bolt receptacles, so that one of the two working positions can be reached by inserting the bolts into the corresponding bolt receptacle. Of course, more than two working positions (i.e., more than two bolt receptacles) and / or continuous adjustment of the attachment tool 5 are also possible.

[0045] To move the digging bucket of the attachment 5, its actuator (in this case, one or more hydraulic cylinders) must be connected to the hydraulic system of the base unit 3, 4. For this purpose, the hydraulic cylinders of the attachment 5 are connected to flexible hydraulic lines (= second fluid-carrying lines 7), which are attached to the second boom section 2 and whose hydraulic connections are located near the end of the second boom section 2. The corresponding machine-side hydraulic lines (= first fluid-carrying lines 6) are attached to the first boom section 1 and have suitable hydraulic connections or connectors. After the first and second boom sections 1, 2 have been mechanically connected to each other (this is done in particular via a known mechanical quick coupler), the hydraulic lines 6, 7 are manually connected to each other in such known devices to establish the hydraulic supply to the attachment 5.

[0046] For this purpose, the hydraulic lines 7 on the tool side are lengthened so that they can bridge the kink or the inclinations resulting from the different working positions of the attachment 5 and prevent the hydraulic connections from separating. A hydraulic quick coupling, such as that known from EP 1 239 087 A1, cannot be used for this purpose, since the orientation of the second boom section 2 relative to the first boom section 1 changes depending on the working position of the attachment 5.

[0047] The Figure 2 This shows another example of a known piece of machinery from the prior art. This is the basic hydraulic excavator unit of the Figures 1a-b, whereby another attachment 5 in the form of a demolition attachment was mounted. This also has a second boom section 2, which, however, in the example shown here, can only assume a single working position.

[0048] In the Figures 3-7 The coupling device for fully automatic connection and disconnection of fluid-carrying lines at a boom separation point, for example the hydraulic supply lines for attachments, is shown in different views. Figures 3-6 The coupling device 10 is shown in different positions in perspective views.

[0049] The coupling device 10 can be used in the Figures 1a-b and 2 The working machines shown are used to connect the first and second lines 6, 7 (the corresponding features of the working machine according to the invention can be compared to those of the Figures 1a-b and 2(which correspond to and are therefore not repeated below), but is not limited to these machines and attachments. In principle, the coupling device 10 can be used for the automatic coupling and disconnection of fluid-carrying lines at any separation point where different geometric configurations occur at the separation point, for example on demolition excavators, earthmoving excavators, pile drivers and drilling rigs, drilling machines, conveyors, loaders, bulldozers, cranes and mining excavators, to name just a few examples.

[0050] The coupling device 10 according to the invention comprises an energy circuit coupling in the form of a hydraulic quick-release coupling with two coupling halves or coupling parts 11, 12, which can be brought together and moved apart by actuator control. A first coupling part 11 is connected to the machine-side first lines 6 (in the Figures 3-7(not shown) is connected, while a second coupling part 12 is connected to the tool-side second lines 7 (also not shown). By pivoting and coupling the two coupling parts 11, 12, which have corresponding interlocking connectors or hydraulic connections, the first and second lines 6, 7 are fluid-conductingly connected to each other.

[0051] The coupling device 10 further comprises a pivoting element 20, which is pivotably connected to the top of the first boom section 1 about a pivot axis 24 (in the illustrated embodiment, this axis is oriented horizontally or parallel to the pivot axis of the first boom section 1). The pivoting element can be moved between a release position (see Figure 1) and a release position by means of an actuator 22 in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 22. Figs. 3-4 ) and a clutch position (see Figs. 5-6) can be pivoted. The second coupling part 12 is firmly attached to the top of the second boom part 2.

[0052] The pivoting part 20 is designed such that it can receive the first coupling part 11 or be detachably connected to it via a locking mechanism that will be explained later. This condition is described in the Figures 3-4 As shown, by pivoting the pivoting part 20 about the pivot axis 24 from the release position along a circular path to the second coupling part 12, the two coupling parts 11, 12 can be pivoted together or coupled. The respective connectors then move into each other. The coupling position of the pivoting part 20, in which the two coupling parts 11, 12 are pivoted together and connected (but not necessarily locked), is shown in the Figure 5 depicted.

[0053] The coupling parts 11, 12 can form a quick coupling according to the teaching of EP 1 239 087 A1 and, in particular, have a corresponding linear guide. Furthermore, the coupling parts can include a centering device according to DE 10 2020 110 523 A1. In particular, the second coupling part 12 is designed as a movable coupling part in the sense of these two teachings and is movably (but permanently) mounted on the second cantilever part 2 via a spring device 13 (cf. Fig. 7 ).

[0054] To enable a change in the orientation of the second boom section 2 relative to the first boom section 1 after coupling the two coupling parts 11, 12 (for example, to change the working position of an attachment tool 5 encompassing the second boom section 2), the invention allows the first coupling part 11 to be separated from the pivoting part 20 after the coupling parts 11, 12 have been brought together. For this purpose, the first coupling part comprises a locking mechanism with several actuators 31, which lock the first coupling part 11 either to the pivoting part 20 or to the second coupling part 12.

[0055] A section parallel to the pivot axis 24 through the coupled coupling device 10 along one of the actuators 31 is shown in the Figure 7The figure shows the pivoting part 20 in its coupling position. The pivoting part 20 comprises two lateral hook-shaped side parts 27, which have downward-facing receptacles in the coupling position. The first coupling part 11 is located between the side parts 27 in the coupling position and can be locked to them. For this purpose, the side parts 27 have bolt receptacles 32 (see figure). Fig. 6 In the present embodiment, there are two bolt receptacles 32 per side part 27). The first coupling part 11 comprises actuators 31 in the form of double-acting hydraulic cylinders, whose piston rods are designed on both sides as locking bolts 33, 35. On the outer surfaces facing the side parts 27 of the pivot part 20, the outer bolts 33 are coaxial with the bolt receptacles 32 of the side parts 27 in the coupling position of the pivot part.

[0056] When the outer bolts 33 are extended laterally or outwards and retracted into the bolt receptacles 32 of the side parts 27, the first coupling part 11 is locked to the pivot part 20 and can pivot together with it. In this state, the first coupling part 11 has a direct rigid connection to the first boom part 1.

[0057] To unlock the first coupling part 11 and the pivoting part 20, the bolts 33 are retracted inwards or withdrawn from the bolt receptacles 32 of the side parts 27. Since the actuators 31 are designed as double-acting hydraulic cylinders, corresponding inner bolts 35 (which are parallel and, in particular, coaxial to the outer bolts 33) retract inwards. There, corresponding bolt receptacles 34 of the second coupling part 12 (or of a support frame rigidly connected to the second boom part 2, in which, in the present embodiment, the second coupling part 12 is movably mounted by means of several springs 13 of a spring assembly) are located. The inner bolts 35 engage in these receptacles, thereby locking the two coupling parts 11 and 12 together.In this state, the first coupling part 11 is no longer connected to the swivel part 20 and therefore no longer has a direct rigid connection to the first boom part 1 (except for the first lines 6, which are designed to be flexible and allow movement of the first coupling part 11 relative to the first boom part 1).

[0058] Thus, the locking of the two coupling parts 11, 12 occurs synchronously or simultaneously with the unlocking of the first coupling part 11 and the swivel part 20. This means that only half as many actuators 31 are required compared to a separate, sequential locking / unlocking process.

[0059] As in the Figure 7As can be seen, the outer bolts 33 and the inner bolts 35 each have circumferential chamfers or bevels at their ends, which facilitate insertion into the respective bolt receptacles 32, 34 and also compensate for concentricity errors due to manufacturing tolerances. For this purpose, the chamfers on the inner and outer bolts 33, 35 are preferably designed differently. In the embodiment shown here, the outer bolts 33 have shallower chamfers with a greater reach (i.e., extent or length along the longitudinal axis of the bolt). The inner bolts 35 have steeper chamfers with a shorter reach / length. This design makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances without overloading the cylinders 31, the sheets, hydraulic connections, and bolts 33, 35.

[0060] In the present embodiment, four actuators 31 are provided, which are arranged coaxially in pairs on the sides of the first coupling part 11 and therefore form two parallel locking axes. Of course, fewer (e.g., only two) or more than four actuators 31 could also be used.

[0061] Because, after the connection between the first coupling part 11 and the swivel part 20 is released, the former no longer has a direct rigid connection to the first boom part 1, the second boom part 2, together with the coupled coupling parts 11 and 12, can be moved or swiveled without affecting or even disconnecting the hydraulic connections. Hydraulic continuity is thus maintained. For this purpose, after locking the two coupling parts 11 and 12, the swivel part 20 is swivelled back into the release position (see figure). Fig. 6 ), so that a collision cannot occur.

[0062] The sequence of movements required to establish this operating state is shown in the Figures 3-6 . In the Figure 3 The first coupling part 11 is locked to the swivel part 20, and the swivel part 20 is in the release position. The lines 6 and 7 are not connected or coupled to each other. By swiveling the swivel part 20 around the pivot axis 24 towards the second coupling part 12 into the coupling position ( Fig. 5 The coupling parts 11 and 12 are coupled together, thereby establishing fluid-conducting connections between the lines 6 and 7. The first coupling part 11 remains locked to the pivoting part 20. Simultaneously, the first coupling part 11 is separated from the pivoting part 20 and locked to the second coupling part 12. The now free pivoting part 20 can then be pivoted back into the release position (see figure). Fig. 5 ).

[0063] The coupling position of the swiveling part 20 can be detected, for example, by inductive sensors 40, which can be arranged on the second coupling part 12 or on the swiveling part 20. The side parts 27 of the swiveling part 20 include mechanical stops 26, which are formed by the "bottoms" of the downwardly open recesses. The second coupling part 12, or a support frame for it and connected to the second boom part 2, comprises two side parts 25, the ends of which facing the swiveling part 20 form mechanical counter-stops 28 (see Fig. 6 ), which are contacted by the stops 26 of the side parts 27 in the coupling position (see Fig. 5The inductive sensors 40 directly detect these stops 26, 28, or the pivoting part 20, or the second coupling part 12 (depending on where the sensors 40 are located), and output corresponding signals to a control unit of the machine. This signals that the pivoting part 20 is in the coupling position and therefore the unlocking / locking process can be carried out. Preferably, the process is only enabled in the coupling position and is otherwise blocked.

[0064] Thus, the coupling process, including locking / unlocking, can be carried out automatically or remotely from the driver's cab, without requiring visual contact with the coupling device 10 or manual control. The driver knows when to start the locking / unlocking process, as this is detected and communicated by the sensors 40. In one embodiment, the locking / unlocking process does not need to be initiated by the driver at all; all movements are fully automatic.

[0065] Alternatively, the swiveling part and the coupling parts 11, 12 could also be arranged laterally or on the undersides of the boom parts 1, 2. Reference symbol list:

[0066] 1 First boom section 2 Second boom section 3 Undercarriage 4 Superstructure 5 Attachment tool 6 First fluid lines 7 Second fluid lines 8 First locking axis 9 Second locking axis 10 Coupling device 11 First coupling part 12 Second coupling part 13 Spring assembly 20 Swivel section 22 Actuator 24 Swivel axis 25 Side section 26 Stop 27 Side section 28 Counter stop 31 Actuator 32 Bolt receptacle 33 Outer bolt 34 Bolt receptacle 35 Inner bolt 40 Sensor

Claims

1.

1. Working machine having a first boom part (1), a second boom part (2) that can be detachably connected to the first boom part (1), at least one first fluid-conducting line (6) arranged on the first boom part (1), at least one second fluid-conducting line (7) arranged on the second boom part (2), and a coupling device (10) for reversibly coupling the first and second lines (6, 7), wherein the coupling device (10) comprises a first coupling part (11) connected to the at least one first line (6), a second coupling part (12) connected to the at least one second line (7) and connected to the second boom part (2), and a pivot part (20) connected to the first boom part (1) and pivotable about a pivot axis (24), wherein the first coupling part (11) can be coupled in a fluid-conducting manner to the second coupling part (12) by pivoting the pivot part (20), characterized by a locking mechanism, by means of which the first coupling part (11) can be mechanically connected to the pivot part (20) for coupling and separating the coupling parts (11, 12), and can be detached from the pivot part (20) in a state in which it is coupled to the second coupling part (12).

2. Working machine according to claim 1, wherein the second coupling part (12) is permanently connected to the second boom part (2) and / or the pivot part (20) is permanently connected to the first boom part (1).

3. Working machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivot part (20) can be pivoted about the pivot axis (24) by means of an actuator (22), in particular a hydraulic cylinder.

4. Working machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, after detaching the first coupling part (11) from the pivot part (20), there is no direct rigid connection between the first coupling part (11) and the first boom part (1).

5. Working machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second boom part (2) can be connected to the first boom part (1) in at least two positions and can be moved between a first working position and a second working position, wherein, after detaching the first coupling part (11) from the pivot part (20), the first coupling part (11) is connected, in particular firmly connected, to the second boom part (2), and wherein, when changing the working position, the first coupling part (11) can be moved together with the second boom part (2) relative to the first boom part (1).

6. Working machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism is arranged on the first coupling part (11).

7. Working machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one actuator (31), by means of which the first coupling part (11) can be locked to the pivot part (20) in a coupling position of the pivot part (20) and can be unlocked therefrom, wherein preferably the actuator (31) for locking and unlocking the first coupling part (11) can be actuated from a driver's cab and / or via a control device arranged on the working machine or via a mobile control device.

8. Working machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the first coupling part (11) can be locked to the second coupling part (12) by means of the locking mechanism in the coupling position of the pivot part (20), wherein the locking of the coupling parts (11, 12) takes place simultaneously with the unlocking of the first coupling part (11) and the pivot part (20) and vice versa, in particular via the same at least one actuator (31).

9. Working machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one, preferably at least two, and particularly preferably four double-acting hydraulic cylinders (31), which are connected to or provided with bolts (33, 35), which can be inserted into bolt receptacles (32, 34) on the second coupling part (12) or on the pivot part (20) by actuating the hydraulic cylinders (31).

10. Working machine according to the preceding claim, wherein chamfers are provided on the bolts (33, 35) and / or on the bolt receptacles (32, 34) to facilitate the insertion of the bolts (33, 35) into the bolt receptacles (32, 34), wherein preferably each hydraulic cylinder (31) is connected to or provided with an outer bolt (33) intended for insertion into a bolt receptacle (32) on the pivot part (20) and an inner bolt (35) intended for insertion into a bolt receptacle (34) on the second coupling part (12), and the inner and outer bolts (33, 35) have differently formed chamfers.

11. Working machine according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the coupling device (10) comprises a detection device having at least one sensor (40), by means of which the coupling position of the pivot part (20) can be detected, wherein the working machine preferably comprises a control unit for controlling the at least one actuator (31) of the locking mechanism, which is connected to the at least one sensor (40) and is designed to enable actuation of the at least one actuator (31) only when the pivot part (20) is in the coupling position.

12. Working machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupling position of the pivot part (20) is derived directly from its position and is defined by a mechanical stop (26), which is preferably arranged on the pivot part (20) and cooperates with a counter-stop (28) on the second coupling part (12) or on the second boom part (2), wherein the at least one sensor (40) is in particular designed as an inductive sensor.

13. Working machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling parts (11, 12) are designed such that they approach one another on a circular path by pivoting the pivot part (20) into a coupling position about the pivot axis (24) and thus automatically couple with one another in a fluid-conducting manner, wherein at least one of the coupling parts (11, 12), in particular the second coupling part (12), is mounted so as to be pivotable about an axis parallel to the pivot axis (24) of the pivot part (20) and movable perpendicularly thereto, in particular via a spring device (13), wherein the coupling device (10) preferably comprises a linear guide, which is designed to compensate, in cooperation with the movable mounting of the movable coupling part (12), the relative movement of the two coupling parts (11, 12) along a circular path during the pivoting movement and to guide the two coupling parts (11, 12) linearly relative to one another during coupling.

14. Method for establishing an operating state of a working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - pivoting the pivot part (20) about the pivot axis (24) into the coupling position, wherein the first coupling part (11) is locked to the pivot part (20) via the locking mechanism, - locking the first coupling part (11) to the second coupling part (12) by means of the locking mechanism, - detaching the locking between the first coupling part (11) and the pivot part (20) by means of the locking mechanism such that they are no longer firmly connected to one another, wherein the unlocking preferably takes place simultaneously with the locking of the first and second coupling parts (11, 12), and - preferably pivoting the pivot part (20) back about the pivot axis (24) out of the coupling position such that in particular there is no longer any contact between the pivot part (20) and the first coupling part (11).