Quick coupler
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OILQUICK DEUT KG
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing quick couplers in smaller construction machinery face challenges in providing optimal fluid supply due to limited space and bending radius requirements, necessitating flexible hoses that are difficult to install and limit transport capacity.
A quick coupler design featuring sliding elements with passage openings allows for a hose-free fluid connection between fixed and movable parts, using rigid sliding elements like sliding bushes to facilitate fluid transfer without hoses, enabling a compact and efficient fluid supply.
The hose-free design reduces maintenance needs and installation space, allowing for a more compact and reliable fluid supply to the locking mechanism and attachments, enhancing operational efficiency.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a quick coupler according to the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]
[0002] Such quick couplers are used for easy and convenient changing of different attachments on construction machines, allowing, for example, swing buckets, grabs, shears, compactors, magnets, hydraulic hammers or other attachments to be coupled or uncoupled from the operator's cab, for example on the boom of an excavator, in a matter of seconds and with high safety standards.
[0003] A typical quick coupler is known from DE 10 200 03 133 A1. This quick coupler can be mounted on the boom of an excavator and comprises a carrier having on one side a first receptacle with a locking device movable between a release position and a locking position for holding a first coupling element provided on the attachment, and on the other side a second receptacle for holding a second coupling element spaced apart from the first coupling element. In this type of quick coupler, the hydraulic fluid or other corresponding working medium required to supply the attachment is usually transported from a fixed distributor via a supply hose to the connection of the respective consumer element. However, the oil volume tends to increase and the back pressure to decrease, so that correspondingly larger cross sections are required. However, especially in smaller quick couplers, the space available for the corresponding supply lines is limited and minimum bending radii must also be observed. Therefore, smaller nominal diameters must be used and the connecting hoses must also be designed to be correspondingly flexible. However, this involves considerable effort and also limits the transport volumes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE 10 2017 110 586 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] The object of the invention is to create a compactly constructed quick coupler of the initially mentioned type, which allows an optimal supply of hydraulic fluid even in carriers of smaller dimensions. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] This problem is solved by a quick coupler having the features of claim 1. Practical embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
[0007] In the quick coupler according to the invention, the fluid connection between the connection part fixedly arranged on the carrier and the drive element movable relative to the carrier is formed by at least one sliding element provided with a passage opening, which is arranged displaceably and radially sealed in the supply opening of the connection part and / or the drive element. By means of a rigid sliding element formed as a hollow body, such as a sliding bush, the fluid connection between the connection part fixedly arranged on the carrier and the drive element movable relative to the carrier can be achieved without hoses. The fluid connection formed via the sliding element is particularly low-maintenance and less susceptible to damage. The fluid connection also requires only a small installation space and thus allows for a particularly compact design.
[0008] In a suitable embodiment, the sliding element provided with the passage opening can be arranged so that one end thereof is fixed in the supply opening of the drive element and its other end is displaceable in the supply opening of the connection part. However, the sliding element can also be rigidly arranged on the connection part and displaceable and radially and / or axially sealed at its front side in the supply opening of the drive element. A displaceable arrangement of the sliding element both in the drive element and in the connection part is also possible.
[0009] In a structurally simple and advantageous design with regard to manufacturing technology, the sliding element can be designed as a connecting tube and the supply opening as a bore with an inner diameter adapted to the outer diameter of the connecting tube. However, the sliding element and the associated conveying opening can also have a different structural design. The sliding element can also be designed, for example, as a telescopic rod or as a sliding part of a different design.
[0010] The sliding element may conveniently be sealed from the supply opening of the drive element and / or the connection by a radial seal.
[0011] The connection can be designed as a pressure fluid distributor for connection to a rotary union of a rotary drive, but the connection can also have a different design, particularly in the case of a non-rotatable arrangement of the quick coupler.
[0012] In a particularly practical embodiment, the fluid supply comprises two sliding elements for supplying the drive element for displacement between the release position and the locking position. This allows the drive of the locking device to be supplied without a hose connection. The quick coupler may further comprise a sliding element for supplying the quick coupling arranged on the drive element. This allows the working fluid to be supplied to the quick coupler without a hose connection to operate the locking mechanism as well as to supply or operate the working attachment. Thus, the fluid connection between the part fixed to the carrier and the part movable relative to the carrier can be made completely hose-free.
[0013] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred examples of embodiments based on the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a quick coupler for changing to different attachments in the unlocked position. [Diagram 2]2 shows a cross-sectional view of the quick coupler taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a quick coupler for changing to different attachments in the locked position. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the quick coupler taken along line BB in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a quick coupler for changing to different attachments in the unlocked position. [Figure 6] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the quick coupler taken along line CC in FIG. 5 . [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a quick coupler for changing to different attachments in the locked position. [Figure 8] 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the quick coupler taken along line DD in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] 1 through 8 show quick couplers that can be attached to an excavator, for example, for easy and convenient changing of different attachments in various positions and views. Such quick couplers, such as swing buckets, grabs, shears, magnets, compactors, hydraulic hammers or other mechanical or hydraulic attachments, can be easily and conveniently coupled or uncoupled from an excavator or other construction vehicle boom or other attachment from an operator's cab.
[0016] As can be seen from the cross-sectional view in Fig. 2, the quick coupler comprises a frame-like carrier 1 made as a welded structure or cast part, which has on one side a first receptacle 2 for receiving and holding a first bolt-like fastening element 3, which is only shown in dashed lines, and on the other side a second receptacle 4 for receiving and holding a second bolt-like fastening element 5, which is spaced apart from the first bolt-like fastening element 3. The two mutually parallel bolt-like fastening elements 3 and 5 can be arranged directly on the attachment or on an adapter which can be mounted on the attachment.
[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, a first receptacle 2 arranged on one side of the carrier 1 has two spaced apart, claw-like first receiving areas 6 that open towards the front, while a second receptacle 4 arranged on the other side of the carrier 1 has two spaced apart, downwardly opening second receiving areas 7 having upper contact surfaces 8.
[0018] A locking device 9, visible in Fig. 2, is provided on the two receiving parts 7 of the second receptacle 4 for lockably holding the first coupling element 5 on the carrier 1. The locking device 9 comprises a drive element 10 displaceable in the direction of or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carrier 1 between a release position and a locking position, on which two locking elements 11 designed as locking bolts and displaceably guided in the carrier 1 are arranged between a retracted release or change position shown in Fig. 2 and an extended locking position shown in Fig. 4 for holding the first coupling element 5 on the carrier 1. In the extended locking position shown in Fig. 4, the downwardly open receiving area 7 of the second receptacle 4 is closed on the underside by the locking elements 11 displaceably arranged in guide bores of the carrier 7, so that the second bolt-like coupling element 5 is engaged on the underside by the bolt-like locking elements 11.
[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive element 10 is designed as a hydraulically displaceable H-shaped cylinder, in each of whose two parallel outer parts 12 a bolt-like locking element 11 is arranged for locking the second coupling element 5 in the second receiving area 7. As can be seen from Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the drive element 10 in the form of an H-cylinder is displaceable by respective pistons 14 arranged in cylindrical pressure chambers 13 inside the two outer parts 12 of the cylindrical drive element 10 together with the two bolt-like locking elements 11 by applying an appropriate pressure between a release or change position shown in Fig. 1 and a locking position shown in Fig. 4. In the release or change position of Fig. 2, the bolt-like locking element 11 is retracted and allows the instruments to be uncoupled or coupled. In the locking position shown in Fig. 4, the bolt-like locking element 11 is extended and engages under the second bolt-like coupling element 5 for locking the attachment.
[0020] 2 and 4 also show that supply channels 15 and 16 for supplying pressurized fluid to displace the drive element 10 are formed in the drive element 10, in the form of an H-cylinder, by a number of supply bores and leading to the pressure chamber 13. By pressurizing a first supply channel 15 shown in FIG. 2, the bolt-like locking element 11 can be extended, whereas by pressurizing a second supply channel 16 shown in FIG. 4, the bolt-like locking element 11 can be retracted.
[0021] For the fluid connection between the fixed connection 17, arranged on the carrier 1 and designed as a pressure fluid distributor, and the displaceable drive element 10, two rigid first and second sliding elements 20 and 21 are provided for the displacement of the drive element, each sliding element 20 and 21 with a passage opening 18 or 19, here designed as a connecting tube, with one end arranged in the first and second supply openings 22 and 23, respectively, of the displaceable drive element 10, designed as an H-cylinder, which are connected to the supply channels 15 or 16 of the displaceable drive element 10, with the other end displaceably arranged and radially sealed in the third and fourth supply openings 24 and 25 of the connection 17. For this, the drive element 10, designed as an H-cylinder, has an upwardly projecting projection 26 for the supply openings 22 and 23, designed as blind holes for receiving the tubular sliding elements 20 and 21. The supply openings 24 and 25 of the connection 17 are also designed as blind holes for receiving the tubular sliding elements 20 and 21. The tubular sliding elements 20 and 21 are sealed from the fixed connection 17 by a gasket 27.
[0022] When the bore 24 shown in Fig. 2 is pressurized with the working fluid, the working fluid can reach one side of the pressure chamber 13 via the passage opening 18, the supply opening 22 and the supply channel 15 of the first tubular sliding element 20, so that the drive element 10 including the bolt-like locking element 11 can be moved to the retracted unlocked and changed position. On the other hand, when the supply opening 25 shown in Fig. 4 is pressurized with the working fluid, the working fluid can reach the other side of the pressure chamber 13 via the passage opening 19, the supply opening 23 and the supply channel 16 of the second tubular sliding element 21, so that the drive element 10 together with the bolt-like locking element 11 can be moved to the extended locked position.
[0023] The tubular sliding elements 20 and 21 do not necessarily have to be fixed to the drive element 10, but may be fixed in a corresponding manner to the connection 17, arranged axially displaceably and radially sealed in the conveying opening or bore of the drive element 10. A displaceable arrangement of the tubular sliding elements 20 and 21 both in the drive element 10 and in the connection 17 is also possible. The connection 17, designed as a pressure fluid distributor, can be designed as a separate component and arranged fixedly on the carrier 1, for example by means of a screw. However, the connection 17 can also be designed as an integral part of the carrier 1. Via the connection 17, the quick coupler can be attached, for example, to a rotary union of a rotary drive or to another attachment.
[0024] As can be seen from figures 5 and 6, several hydraulic quick couplings 29 are arranged adjacent to each other between two locking elements 11 on the intermediate part 28 of the drive element 10, which is designed as an H-cylinder and can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 1. The hydraulic quick couplings 29 are arranged and designed in such a way that when the drive element 10 is moved into the locking position, the hydraulic quick couplings 29 are coupled to a corresponding mating coupling on the adapter or attachment in order to supply the attachment with the working medium. The quick couplings 29 have end caps 30, which open automatically when the quick couplings 29 are coupled to the mating coupling. In order to be able to supply the quick couplings 29 with the working medium, a supply channel 32 is arranged in the drive element 10 designed as an H-cylinder, which leads from a supply opening 31 in the upper projection 26 of the drive element 10 to the quick couplings 29.
[0025] To establish a fluid connection between the connection 17 arranged on the carrier 1 and the quick coupling 29, a tubular sliding element 34 is also provided here, which is provided with a passage opening 33, and in the illustrated embodiment is fixed with one end in the feed opening 31 of the upper projection 26 of the drive element 10 and arranged with the other end in a displaceable and radially and / or axially sealed manner in the feed opening 36 of the connection 17 via a gasket 35. In a corresponding manner, the tubular sliding element 34 can also be fixedly attached to the connection 17 and arranged in an axially displaceable and radially and / or axially sealed manner in the bore 31 of the drive element 10. Here too, a displaceable arrangement of the sliding element 34 in the drive element 10 and in the connection 17 is possible.
[0026] To couple an attachment with the above-mentioned quick coupler, the quick coupler, which is usually mounted on an excavator boom and coupler, is first moved so that the first bolt-shaped fastening element 3, arranged on the adapter or directly on the attachment, is inserted into the claw- or fork-shaped first receiving area 6 of the first receptacle 2. Then, with the locking element 11 still retracted, the quick coupler 1 is swiveled around the first bolt-like fastening element 3 so that the second fastening element 5 on the adapter or attachment comes into contact with the contact surface 8 of the downwardly open second receiving area 7 of the second receptacle 4. The locking element 11, which is then displaceably arranged in a guide bore in the carrier 1 of the quick coupler, can be hydraulically extended via a drive element 10 designed as an H-cylinder and extending in the longitudinal direction of the quick coupler, so that the second bolt-like fastening element 5 is engaged downwards by the two bolt-like locking elements 11 on the quick coupler 1 and thus the attachment is held on the quick coupler.
[0027] When the drive element 10 is moved to the locked position, the quick coupling 29 arranged in the intermediate part 28 of the drive element 10 between the two locking elements 11 is also moved and can be coupled with a corresponding mating coupling on an adapter or attachment, so that the working fluid can be supplied to the attachment via the quick coupling.
[0028] It will be appreciated that the fluid connection between the parts fixed to the carrier and the parts movable relative to the carrier can be made entirely hose-free, such that hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the quick coupler to operate the locking mechanism as well as to supply or operate the attachment without the need for a hose connection. [Explanation of symbols]
[0029] 1. Career 2 First Receptacle 3 First coupling element 4 Second Receptacle 5 Secondary Coupling Element 6 First Acceptance Element 7 Secondary Acceptance Element 8 Upper contact surface 9 Locking device 10 Driving Elements 11 Rock Elements 12 Outer part 13 Pressure Chamber 14 Piston 15 First Supply Channel 16 Secondary Supply Channel 17 Connection 18 First Passage Opening 19 Second Passage Opening 20 First sliding element 21 Second sliding element 22 first supply opening 23 Second supply opening 24 Third supply opening 25 4th supply opening 26 Protrusion 27 Gasket 28 Middle part 29 Quick coupling 30 End Cap 31 Supply opening 32 Supply Channel 33 Passage opening 34 Further tubular connecting pieces 35 Gasket 36 Conveyor opening
Claims
1. A quick coupler for changing attachments on construction machinery, A carrier (1) comprising: a first receptacle (2) positioned on one side of the carrier (1) to receive and hold a first coupling element (3); a second receptacle (4) positioned on the other side of the carrier (1) to receive a second coupling element (5) spaced apart from the first coupling element (3); and a locking device (9) associated with the second receptacle (4) and having a drive element (10) movable between an open position and a locked position for lockably holding the second coupling element (5); The device comprises a fluid connection positioned between a connecting portion (17) and the movable drive element (10) for supplying working fluid, A quick coupler characterized in that the fluid connection between the connecting portion (17) and the drive element (10) is formed by at least one sliding element (20, 21, 34) provided with passage openings (18, 19, 33), thereby displaceable and sealed within the supply openings (24, 25, 36) of the connecting portion (17) and / or the drive element (10).
2. The quick coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding elements (20, 21, 34) provided with passage openings (18, 19, 33) are arranged such that one end is fixed within the supply opening (22, 23, 31) of the drive element (10), and the other end is displaceable within the supply opening (24, 25, 36) of the connecting portion (17) and is radially sealed.
3. The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding elements (20, 21, 34) are formed as connecting pipes, and the supply openings (24, 25, 36) are formed as bores having an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the connecting pipes.
4. The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding elements (20, 21, 34) are sealed to the supply openings (22, 23, 31) of the drive element (10) and / or the connection portion (17) via gaskets (27, 35).
5. The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting portion (17) is designed as a pressure fluid distributor for connecting to the rotary union of a rotary drive unit.
6. The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluid connection comprises two sliding elements (20, 21) for supplying the drive element (10) for displacement between a released position and a locked position.
7. The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluid connection comprises a sliding element (34) for supplying fluid to a quick coupling (29) disposed on the drive element (10).
8. The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive element (10) is designed as an H-shaped cylinder that can be hydraulically displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier (1) or in a direction parallel thereto.
9. The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking device (9) comprises a bolt-shaped locking element (11) disposed on the drive element (10).
10. The first receptacle (2) positioned on one side of the carrier (1) comprises two spaced-apart claw-shaped first receiving regions (6) that open forward, The quick coupler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second receptacle (4) located on the other side of the carrier (1) comprises two spaced second receiving regions (7) that open toward the bottom and have an upper contact surface (8).