I-lock coupler
The quick coupler with an automatic hydraulic reset mechanism addresses safety and usability issues in existing designs, enhancing safety and efficiency by minimizing the open time of the safety lock.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025092435
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-07-29
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing quick couplers for lift trucks and heavy equipment lack safety features and ease of use, posing risks in the workplace.
A quick coupler with a hydraulic circuit that automatically resets the safety lock mechanism upon intentional removal of the front pin, utilizing an OEM-supplied two-line hydraulic supply to minimize the time the safety lock is open.
Enhances safety and ease of use by ensuring rapid and reliable resetting of the safety lock mechanism, reducing workplace hazards and improving operational efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure 2025122212000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 058,232, filed July 29, 2020. [Background technology]
[0002]
[0002] Safety is a paramount issue in the workplace. Adhering to safety guidelines, equipment capacities, and using common sense will provide a safe and efficient work environment for workers and customers. Various quick couplers for use with lift trucks and heavy equipment are known in the art. These quick couplers lack the safety features and ease of use of the present design. Summary of the Invention
[0003]
[0003] The I-Lock coupler is a quick coupler that features an innovative safety mechanism that promotes ease of use and ensures safe use in the workplace.
[0004] The coupler's hydraulic circuit is designed to automatically reset the safety lock mechanism when the front pin is intentionally removed. This design has the advantage of utilizing the OEM-supplied two-line hydraulic supply to the coupler while minimizing the time the safety lock mechanism is open.
[0005] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood in consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art coupler. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a prior art coupler. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a coupler of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a second cross-sectional side view of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve and plunger of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve and lever of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve and lever of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007]
[0017] The coupler's hydraulic circuit is designed to automatically reset the safety lock mechanism if the front pin is intentionally removed. This design has the advantage of allowing the OEM-supplied two-line hydraulic supply to the coupler, while minimizing the time the safety lock mechanism is open.
[0008]
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the safety locking mechanism is a "safety knuckle."
[0009]
[0019] 1 and 2 show a prior art coupler.
[0010]
[0020] 3 shows coupler body 100. Front pin 110 (not shown) is a mounting pin that engages with mounting front hook 120. Front hook 120 is a generally C-shaped area on coupler body 100. Within front hook 120 is safety knuckle 130.
[0011]
[0021] 4 shows a wedge 140 positioned in wedge area 150. Wedge 140 engages rear mounting pin 160. Safety knuckle 130 retains front pin 110 if wedge 140 (not shown) unintentionally retracts from rear mounting pin 160.
[0012]
[0022] Figures 5, 6 and 7 each show a different embodiment of the coupler, and also show the wedge 140 retracting from the rear mounting pin 160.
[0013]
[0023] 5, 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of the coupler with the safety knuckle 130 omitted to better illustrate the embodiment.
[0014]
[0024] Figures 4, 5, and 8 show a first embodiment of this disclosure. To engage and disengage the attachment, a front pin 110 passes through a safety knuckle 130 and a plunger 170. The plunger 170 is pushed upward by the front pin 110 and then automatically releases downward behind the front pin 110. Figure 8 shows a valve 180 that stores hydraulic pressure to drive and release the plunger 170.
[0015]
[0025] 6 and 9 show a second embodiment of this disclosure. To engage and disengage the attachment, a front pin 110 passes through a safety knuckle 130 and an actuator 190. To engage, the actuator 190 rotates, pushing a lever 200 up into engagement with a valve 210.
[0016]
[0026] 7 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present disclosure. To engage and disengage the attachment, a front pin 110 passes through a safety knuckle 130 and an alternate actuator 220. The alternate actuator 220 has at least two corners 230. When the actuator 220 rotates, the corners 230 engage the actuator with a valve 240.
[0017]
[0027] 11 to 16 are flowcharts showing the operation of the embodiment.
[0018]
[0028] Figure 11 shows a typical OEM supply valve. This valve is generally supplied as a factory-installed OEM option. The valve consists of a two-line configuration that supplies oil to an "extension" and a "retraction" hose.
[0019]
[0029] Item 110 in Figure 11 is a typical OEM supply valve. Item 111 in Figure 11 is a 4-way, 2-position solenoid-operated directional valve. Under normal conditions, oil is continuously supplied to the "extend" function of the coupler, which maintains positive pressure on the extend side of the wedge cylinder. The "retract" line vents to a low-pressure reservoir. When energized, the valve transfers pressure supply to the "retract" line, directing oil to the rod side of the wedge cylinder and also extending the I-lock cylinder, which releases the safety locking knuckle.
[0020]
[0030] Item 112 in Figure 11 is a pressure reduction / relief valve. This valve is used to reduce the supply pressure to a predetermined setting, typically 120-180 bar. The valve also releases pressure above that setting to a low-pressure reservoir.
[0021]
[0031] Item 113 in Figure 11 is a wedge cylinder and valve disc. The cylinder shell generally houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need for a separate valve disc.
[0022]
[0032] Item 114 in Figure 11 is a pilot-operated check valve. When the wedge is extended and the implement is secured in the coupler, the check valve maintains pressure on the head side of the wedge cylinder to lock the implement in the event of a loss of supply pressure, which typically occurs when the machine is "off" or if the supply hose fails. During wedge retraction to release the implement, the check valve is piloted from the retract line, allowing flow from the head side of the wedge cylinder to return to the low-pressure reservoir.
[0023]
[0033] Item 115 in Figure 11 is an overpressure relief valve. The overpressure relief valve 115 allows high pressure oil to escape from the head side of the wedge cylinder to the rod side in the event of a large backdriving force on the wedge. This prevents damage to the hydraulic and mechanical components of the coupler. During normal operation, the relief valve is set high enough to remain closed.
[0024]
[0034] Item 116 in Figure 11 is a wedge cylinder. This double acting hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts the coupler wedge. The wedge is the component that locks and holds the rear pin of the tool.
[0025]
[0035] Item 117 in Figure 11 is a simple check that vents the spring chamber and actuation port to the low pressure "draw" line, ensuring that the sequence valve 119 is in the shifted state (instrument engaged and utilized) during normal use.
[0026]
[0036] Item 118 in Figure 11 is a simple check. This simple check prevents high pressure oil from shorting from the extension line to the retraction line during normal use. After the implement is removed from the coupler (and the wedge is retracted), this check valve vents the I-Lock cylinder into the low extension line, allowing the safety knuckle to reset.
[0027]
[0037] Item 119 in Figure 11 is a sequence valve. In the normal (non-pilot) state, the valve vents the I-lock cylinder to the low pressure line via check valves 117, 118. In the shift (pilot) state, the valve connects the I-lock cylinder to the retract line.
[0028]
[0038] Item 120 in Figure 11 is the coupler arrangement component. The coupler houses the wedge cylinder (item 2), the I-lock cylinder, the manually operated check valve, and the trigger linkage.
[0029]
[0039] Item 121 in Figure 11 is an I-lock cylinder. This single acting spring return cylinder extends the locking knuckle when actuated, moving it to the unlocked position.
[0030]
[0040] Item 122 in Figure 11 is a manually actuated check valve. In its normal state, with the front pin removed from the coupler hook, the valve allows bidirectional flow. When the front pin is engaged with the coupler hook, the valve acts as a check valve capturing pressure from the extension line to the pilot port of the sequence valve 119.
[0031]
[0041] Item 123 in Figure 11 is a trigger linkage. The trigger linkage is used to bias the manually actuated check valve 3B into the bidirectional flow position. The trigger linkage is also used to create increased leverage to facilitate the release of trapped pressure through the manually actuated check valve when the front pin is removed from the coupler.
[0032]
[0042] In general operation as shown in Figure 11, the operation of the hydraulic circuit while removing the implement is as taught in Figure 9. The steps include: implement engagement (pin inserted into coupler hook); directional valve 111 de-energized (extension line energized, retraction line bleed to tank); wedge cylinder extension; I-lock cylinder retraction; check valve position of manually operated check valve 122 with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of sequence valve 119; and shift position of sequence valve 119.
[0033]
[0043] The procedural steps of FIG. 11 include:
[0034]
[0044] Step 1: The directional valve 111 is energized to direct hydraulic flow to the inlet line and connect the extend line to the low pressure tank.
[0035]
[0045] Step 2: The wedge cylinder 116 retracts and the I-lock cylinder 121 extends, retracting the safety knuckle.
[0036]
[0046] Step 3: The operator then disengages the back and front pins to remove the tool from the coupler.
[0037]
[0047] Step 4: When the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the trigger linkage 123 is reset to its normal position and the trapped pressure is released from the pilot port of the sequence valve 119.
[0038]
[0048] Step 5: The sequence valve 119, which vents the I-lock cylinder to the low-pressure extension line via the check valve 118, shifts to its normal state. This immediately resets the safety knuckle.
[0039]
[0049] Step 6: The coupler is ready to engage with other implements equipped with safety knuckles.
[0040]
[0050] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment.
[0041]
[0051] Item 110 in Figure 12 is a typical OEM supply valve, whose function is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0042]
[0052] Item 111 in Figure 12 is a 4-way 2-position solenoid operated directional valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0043]
[0053] Item 112 in Figure 12 is a pressure reduction / relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0044]
[0054] Item 113 in Figure 12 is the wedge cylinder and body. The cylinder shell generally houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need for a separate valve disc.
[0045]
[0055] Item 114 in Figure 12 is a pilot operated check valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0046]
[0056] Item 115 in Figure 12 is an overpressure relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0047]
[0057] Item 116 in Figure 12 is a wedge cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0048]
[0058] Item 117 in Figure 12 is a simple check, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0049]
[0059] Item 118 in Figure 12 is a simple check, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0050]
[0060] Item 119 in Figure 12 is a sequence valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0051]
[0061] Item 124 in Figure 12 is a simple check valve used to trap pressure in the pilot port of sequence valve 119 when manually actuated shutoff valve 128 is in the shutoff state.
[0052]
[0062] Item 125 in Figure 12 is the coupler arrangement component. The coupler houses the wedge cylinder (item 2), the I-lock cylinder, and the manually operated shut-off valve.
[0053]
[0063] Item 121 in Figure 12 is an I-lock cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0054]
[0064] Item 128 in Figure 12 is a manually actuated shut-off valve. In its normal state, with the front pin removed from the coupler hook, the valve allows bidirectional flow. When the front pin is engaged with the coupler hook, the valve is manually actuated via an integral plunger by the front pin, which shifts the valve to the shut-off state.
[0055]
[0065] The method of operation of the hydraulic circuit while removing the implement includes engaging the implement (pin inserted into coupler hook), de-energizing the directional valve 111 (extension line energized and retraction line bleed to tank), extending the wedge cylinder, retracting the I-lock cylinder, shutting off the manually operated shutoff valve 128 with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of the sequence valve 119, and shifting the sequence valve 119.
[0056]
[0066] The procedural steps of FIG. 12 for disengagement include:
[0057]
[0067] Step 1: The directional valve 111 is energized to direct hydraulic flow to the inlet line and connect the extend line to the low pressure tank.
[0058]
[0068] Step 2: The wedge cylinder 116 retracts and the I-lock cylinder 121 extends, retracting the safety knuckle.
[0059]
[0069] Step 3: The operator then disengages the back and front pins to remove the tool from the coupler.
[0060]
[0070] Step 4: Once the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the plunger of the manually operated shut-off valve 128 is reset to its normal position, releasing trapped pressure from the pilot port of the sequence valve 119.
[0061]
[0071] Step 5: The sequence valve 119, which vents the I-lock cylinder to the low-pressure extension line via the check valve 118, shifts to its normal state. This immediately resets the safety knuckle.
[0062]
[0072] Step 6: The coupler is ready to engage with other implements equipped with safety knuckles.
[0063]
[0073] Operation of the hydraulic circuit while attaching the implement includes the steps of disengaging the implement (pin removed from coupler hook), energizing the directional valve 111 (retract line energized and extension line discharged to tank), retracting the wedge cylinder, retracting the I-lock cylinder, placing the manually actuated shutoff valve 128 in the normal (bidirectional flow) state, and placing the sequence valve 119 in the normal position.
[0064]
[0074] Procedural steps for attachment engagement include:
[0065]
[0075] Step 1: The operator begins to engage the front pin with the coupler hook. The front pin rotates the spring-loaded safety knuckle to an unlocked position, allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. Once the pin is fully engaged with the hook, the safety knuckle immediately returns to the locked position via the biasing spring, and the integral plunger actuates the manually-operated shut-off valve 128.
[0066]
[0076] Step 2: The operator then engages the back pin with the wedge section of the coupler.
[0067]
[0077] Step 3: The directional valve 111 is de-energized, shifting hydraulic flow to the extend line and connecting the retract line to the low pressure tank.
[0068]
[0078] Step 4: The wedge cylinder 116 extends to lock the back pin in place.
[0069]
[0079] Step 5: The extension line pressure is captured in the pilot port of the sequence valve 119 via the simple check valve 124 and the manually operated shutoff valve 128, shifting the shift sequence valve 119.
[0070]
[0080] Step 6: The fixture is secured within the coupler.
[0071]
[0081] FIG. 13 shows a circuit of another embodiment.
[0072]
[0082] The circuit of Figure 13 has the advantage of instantaneous trigger actuation, as opposed to the embodiment of Figure 11. This provides increased reliability and more flexibility to accommodate varying pin sizes and hook wear.
[0073]
[0083] As shown, item 130 in Figure 13 is a typical OEM supply valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0074]
[0084] Item 111 in Figure 13 is a 4-way 2-position solenoid operated directional valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0075]
[0085] Item 112 in Figure 13 is a pressure reduction / relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0076]
[0086] Item 113 in Figure 13 is the wedge cylinder and body. The cylinder shell generally houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need for a separate valve disc. The cylinder shell includes the following items:
[0077]
[0087] Item 114 in Figure 13 is a pilot operated check valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0078]
[0088] Item 115 in Figure 13 is an overpressure relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0079]
[0089] Item 116 in Figure 13 is a wedge cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0080]
[0090] Item 117 in Figure 13 is a simple check, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0081]
[0091] Item 118 in Figure 13 is a simple check, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0082]
[0092] Item 119 in Figure 13 is a sequence valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0083]
[0093] Item 124 in Figure 13 is a simple check valve that is used to trap pressure in the pilot port of sequence valve 2F when manually actuated shutoff valve 3D is in the shutoff state.
[0084]
[0094] Item 125 in Figure 13 is the coupler arrangement component. The coupler houses the wedge cylinder (item 113), the I-lock cylinder, and the manually operated shut-off valve.
[0085]
[0095] Item 121 in Figure 13 is an I-lock cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0086]
[0096] Item 131 in Figure 13 is a manually actuated check valve. In the normal condition when the front pin is fully engaged or disengaged from the coupler hook, the valve acts as a check valve trapping pressure from the extension line to the pilot port of sequence valve 119 in Figure 13. When the front pin is released from the coupler hook, the valve is momentarily manually actuated via trigger linkage 123 to release the trapped pressure into the extension line.
[0087]
[0097] Item 123 in Figure 13 is a trigger linkage. The trigger linkage is used to bias the manually actuated check valve 131 to the check valve position. The trigger linkage is also used to create increased leverage to facilitate the release of trapped pressure through the manually actuated check valve when the front pin is removed from the coupler.
[0088]
[0098] Operation of the hydraulic circuit of FIG. 13 while removing an implement includes: initial state; implement engaged (pin inserted into coupler hook); directional valve 111 unpowered (extension line energized and retraction line discharged to tank); wedge cylinder extended; I-lock cylinder retracted; check valve position of manually operated check valve 131 with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of sequence valve 119; and shift position of sequence valve 119.
[0089]
[0099] The procedural steps of FIG. 13 include:
[0090]
[0100] Step 1 is that the directional valve 111 is energized to shift hydraulic flow to the draw line and connect the extension line to the low pressure tank.
[0091]
[0101] Step 2 is that the wedge cylinder 116 retracts and the I-lock cylinder 121 extends which causes the safety knuckle to retract.
[0092]
[0102] Step 3 is then for the operator to disengage the back and front pins and remove the tool from the coupler.
[0093]
[0103] Step 4 is that when the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the trigger linkage 3C momentarily actuates the manually operated check valve 131 to the open position to release the trapped pressure from the pilot port of the sequence valve 119.
[0094]
[0104] Step 5 is for the sequence valve 119 to shift to its normal state which vents the I-lock cylinder to the low pressure extension line via the check valve 118. This immediately resets the safety knuckle.
[0095]
[0105] Step 6 is to ensure that the coupler is ready to engage with other implements equipped with safety knuckles.
[0096]
[0106] Operation of this hydraulic circuit in FIG. 13 while attaching an implement includes: initial state; implement disengagement (removing pin from coupler hook); directional valve 111 energized (retract line energized, extension line discharged to tank); wedge cylinder retracted; I-lock cylinder retracted, check valve position of manually operated check valve 131; and sequence valve 119 normal position.
[0097]
[0107] The procedural steps of the embodiment of FIG. 13 include:
[0098]
[0108] Step 1 is for the operator to begin engaging the front pin into the coupler hook. The front pin rotates the spring-loaded safety knuckle to the unlocked position, allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. As the front pin transitions into the coupler hook, the trigger linkage 123 momentarily activates the manually operated check valve 131, releasing pilot pressure from the sequence valve 119 and allowing the I-lock cylinder to retract. Once the pin is fully engaged with the hook, the safety knuckle immediately returns to the locked position, and the manually operated check valve 131 returns to its normal check valve position.
[0099]
[0109] Step two is for the operator to engage the back pin with the wedge section of the coupler.
[0100]
[0110] Step 3 is that the directional valve 111 is de-energized, shifting hydraulic flow to the extend line and connecting the retract line to the low pressure tank.
[0101]
[0111] Step 4 is for the wedge cylinder 116 to extend and lock the back pin.
[0102]
[0112] Step 5 is that the extension line pressure is captured in the pilot port of the sequence valve 119 via the manually operated check valve 3F, causing the shift sequence valve 119 to shift.
[0103]
[0113] Step 6 is for the fixture to be secured within the coupler.
[0104]
[0114] FIG. 14 shows a variation of the circuit of FIG. 12 (including an instantaneous trigger).
[0105]
[0115] This circuit of Figure 14 has the advantage of instantaneous trigger actuation as opposed to the hydraulic circuit of Figure 12. This provides increased reliability and more flexibility to accommodate varying pin sizes and hook wear.
[0106]
[0116] Item 140 in Figure 14 is a typical OEM supply valve, whose function is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0107]
[0117] Item 111 in Figure 14 is a 4-way 2-position solenoid operated directional valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0108]
[0118] Item 112 in Figure 14 is a pressure reduction / relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0109]
[0119] Item 113 in Figure 14 is the wedge cylinder and body. The cylinder shell generally houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need for a separate valve disc.
[0110]
[0120] Item 114 in Figure 14 is a pilot operated check valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0111]
[0121] Item 115 in Figure 14 is an overpressure relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0112]
[0122] Item 116 in Figure 14 is a wedge cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0113]
[0123] Item 117 in Figure 14 is a simple check, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0114]
[0124] Item 118 in Figure 14 is a simple check, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0115]
[0125] Item 119 in Figure 14 is a sequence valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0116]
[0126] Item 124 in Figure 14 is a simple check valve used to trap pressure in the pilot port of sequence valve 119 when manually actuated shutoff valve 128 is in the shutoff state.
[0117]
[0127] Item 125 in Figure 14 is the coupler arrangement component. The coupler houses the wedge cylinder (item 113), the I-lock cylinder, and the manually operated shut-off valve.
[0118]
[0128] Item 121 in Figure 14 is an I-lock cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0119]
[0129] Item 141 in Figure 14 is a manually actuated shut-off valve that is momentarily manually actuated via an integral plunger to release trapped pressure into the extension line.
[0120]
[0130] Operation of the embodiment of the hydraulic circuit of FIG. 14 while removing an implement includes: initial state; implement engagement (pin inserted into coupler hook); de-energized state of directional valve 111 (extension line energized and retraction line discharged to tank); wedge cylinder extension; I-lock cylinder retraction; shut-off state of manually operated shut-off valve 141 with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of sequence valve 119; and shifted position of sequence valve 119.
[0121]
[0131] The removal procedure steps for Figure 14 are as follows:
[0122]
[0132] Step 1 is that the directional valve 111 is energized to shift hydraulic flow to the draw line and connect the extension line to the low pressure tank.
[0123]
[0133] Step 2 is that the wedge cylinder 116 retracts and the I-lock cylinder 121 extends which causes the safety knuckle to retract.
[0124]
[0134] Step 3 is then for the operator to disengage the back and front pins and remove the tool from the coupler.
[0125]
[0135] Step 4 is that when the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the plunger of the manually operated shut-off valve 141 is momentarily triggered to the open position by the front pin, releasing the trapped pressure from the pilot port of the sequence valve 119.
[0126]
[0136] Step 5 is for the sequence valve 119 to shift to its normal state which vents the I-lock cylinder to the low pressure extension line via the check valve 118. This immediately resets the safety knuckle.
[0127]
[0137] Step 6 is to ensure that the coupler is ready to engage with other implements equipped with safety knuckles.
[0128]
[0138] Operation of the hydraulic circuit of FIG. 14 during implement attachment includes: initial state; implement disengagement (removing pin from coupler hook); directional valve 111 energized (retract line energized and extension line discharged to tank); I-lock cylinder retracted; manually actuated shutoff valve 141 shutoff; and sequence valve 119 normal position.
[0129]
[0139] The procedural steps for the circuit of FIG. 14 for mounting the fixture are as follows:
[0130]
[0140] Step 1 is for the operator to begin engaging the front pin with the coupler hook. The front pin rotates the spring-loaded safety knuckle to the unlocked position, allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. As the front pin transitions into the coupler hook, the plunger of the manually operated check valve 141 is momentarily triggered by the front pin, releasing pilot pressure from the sequence valve 119 and allowing the I-lock cylinder to retract. Once the pin is fully engaged with the hook, the safety knuckle immediately returns to the locked position, returning the manually operated check valve 141 to its normal shut-off state.
[0131]
[0141] Step two is for the operator to engage the back pin with the wedge section of the coupler.
[0132]
[0142] Step 3 is that the directional valve 111 is de-energized, shifting hydraulic flow to the extend line and connecting the retract line to the low pressure tank.
[0133]
[0143] Step 4 is for the wedge cylinder 116 to extend and lock the back pin.
[0134]
[0144] Step 5 is that the extension line pressure is captured in the pilot port of the sequence valve 119 via the simple check valve 124 and the manually operated shutoff valve 141 to shift the shift sequence valve 119 .
[0135]
[0145] Step 6 is for the fixture to be secured within the coupler.
[0136]
[0146] FIG. 15 shows a variation of the circuit of FIG. 11 (including instantaneous triggering).
[0137]
[0147] Figure 15 has the advantage of instantaneous trigger actuation as opposed to the hydraulic circuit of Figure 11. This provides increased reliability and more flexibility to accommodate varying pin sizes and hook wear.
[0138]
[0148] Item 150 in Figure 15 is a typical OEM supply valve, whose function is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0139]
[0149] Item 111 in Figure 15 is a 4-way 2-position solenoid operated directional valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0140]
[0150] Item 112 in Figure 15 is a pressure reduction / relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0141]
[0151] Item 113 in Figure 15 is the wedge cylinder and body. The cylinder shell generally houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need for a separate valve disc.
[0142]
[0152] Item 114 in Figure 15 is a pilot operated check valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0143]
[0153] Item 115 in Figure 15 is an overpressure relief valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0144]
[0154] Item 116 in Figure 15 is a wedge cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0145]
[0155] Item 118 in Figure 15 is a simple check, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0146]
[0156] Item 119 in Figure 15 is a sequence valve, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0147]
[0157] Item 124 in Figure 15 is a simple check valve used to trap pressure in the pilot port of sequence valve 119 when manually actuated shutoff valve 128 is in the shutoff state.
[0148]
[0158] Item 125 in Figure 15 is the coupler arrangement component. The coupler houses the wedge cylinder (item 113), the I-lock cylinder, and the manually operated shut-off valve.
[0149]
[0159] Item 121 in Figure 15 is an I-lock cylinder, the function of which is the same as that described in Figure 11.
[0150]
[0160] Item 151 in Figure 15 is a 3-way, 2-position pilot-operated manual restraint sequence valve. In the normal (non-pilot) condition, the I-lock cylinder discharges to the low pressure line. In the shift (pilot) condition, with the manual override released, this connects the I-lock cylinder to the extend line.
[0151]
[0161] Item 153 in Figure 15 is the trigger assembly, which is used to restrain the valve in the neutral position when pilot pressure is applied and the pin is initially engaged.
[0152]
[0162] Operation of this hydraulic circuit of FIG. 15 while removing an implement includes: initial state; implement engaged (pin inserted into coupler hook); trigger assembly engaged to spool (shown as "State 2" in FIG. 1); unpowered state of directional valve 111 (extension line energized and retraction line discharged to tank); wedge cylinder extended; I-lock cylinder retracted; and neutral position of sequence valve 151 (pilot pressure retraction line discharged to tank).
[0153]
[0163] The procedural steps for disengaging per circuit in FIG. 15 include:
[0154]
[0164] Step 1 is that directional valve 111 is energized, shifting hydraulic flow to the retract line and connecting the extend line to the low pressure tank. Pressure in the retract circuit attempts to shift sequence valve 3H, and sequence valve 151 is manually overridden by maintaining the trigger assembly in the neutral spool position (shown as "State 2" in FIG. 1).
[0155]
[0165] Step 2 is that the wedge cylinder 116 retracts and the I-lock cylinder 3A extends which causes the safety knuckle to retract.
[0156]
[0166] Step 3 is then for the operator to disengage the back and front pins and remove the tool from the coupler.
[0157]
[0167] Step 4 is to displace the trigger assembly 153 to release the manual override position when the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, allowing the sequence valve 151 to shift (shown as "State 3" in Figure 1).
[0158]
[0168] Step 5 is to release the I-lock cylinder pressure to the tank through the pressure reducing wedge extension line by shifting the sequence valve 151. This immediately resets the safety knuckle.
[0159]
[0169] Step 6 is to ensure that the coupler is ready to engage with other implements equipped with safety knuckles.
[0160]
[0170] Operation of the hydraulic circuit of FIG. 15 during implement installation includes: initial state; implement disengagement (removing pin from coupler hook); trigger assembly disengaged from spool (shown as "State 3" in FIG. 1); directional valve 111 energized state (retract line energized and extension line discharged to tank); wedge cylinder retracted; I-lock cylinder retracted; and sequence valve 151 pilot position.
[0161]
[0171] The procedural steps for engaging an instrument according to the circuit of FIG. 15 include:
[0162]
[0172] Step 1 is for the operator to begin engaging the front pin into the coupler hook. The front pin rotates the spring-loaded safety knuckle to the unlocked position, allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. As the front pin transitions into the coupler hook, the trigger assembly 153 contacts the already shifted spool and has no effect. If the sequence valve 151 returns to its neutral position due to the pump being off and both extension and retraction being vented to tank, the trigger assembly will engage the spool at the inlet, causing the sequence valve 151 to shift and vent I-Lock cylinder pressure to tank via the pressure-reducing wedge extension line.
[0163]
[0173] Step two is for the operator to engage the back pin with the wedge section of the coupler.
[0164]
[0174] Step 3 is that the directional valve 111 is de-energized, shifting hydraulic flow to the extend line and connecting the retract line to the low pressure tank. Pilot pressure is removed from the sequence valve 151, causing the valve to return to its neutral state due to spring bias. The trigger assembly 153 engages the spool (shown as "State 2" in FIG. 1).
[0165]
[0175] Step 4 is for the wedge cylinder 116 to extend and lock the back pin.
[0166]
[0176] Step 5 is for the fixture to be secured within the coupler.
[0167]
[0177] FIG. 16 generally shows the various states of the spool and trigger assembly.
[0168]
[0178] It is recognized that the terms and expressions employed in the foregoing specification are used as terms of description rather than of limitation, and that in the use of such terms and expressions there is no intention to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, and that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims
1. 1. A coupler for coupling a vehicle to an implement, the coupler having a lower interface including a first receiving portion configured to selectively engage and disengage a rear pin of the implement and a second receiving portion configured to selectively engage and disengage a safety pin of the implement via operation of a safety knuckle, the safety knuckle being rotatable between a locked position that retains the engaged safety pin and a retracted position that allows release of the retained safety pin, the coupler including an actuator that, upon actuation, moves the safety knuckle from the locked position to the retracted position, and the coupler including circuitry configured to automatically reset the safety knuckle to the locked position without operator intervention upon release of the retained safety pin.
2. 2. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the circuit uses hydraulic pressure to retract the safety knuckle and does not use hydraulic pressure to reset the safety knuckle.
3. 2. The coupler of claim 1, including a plunger extending into the second receiver, the plunger being movable between a first position and a second position based on the position of the safety pin.
4. 4. The coupler of claim 3, wherein the actuator that operates the safety knuckle is supplied with pressurized fluid through a pilot-operated valve, and the plunger operates a two-way valve, operation of which selectively captures and releases pilot pressure to the pilot-operated valve.
5. 5. The coupler of claim 4, wherein the pilot-operated valve alternates between a first position that allows pressurized fluid to cause the actuator to retract the safety knuckle and a second position that blocks pressurized fluid from the actuator, preventing the actuator from retracting the safety knuckle.
6. 6. The coupler of claim 5, including a wedge that selectively retains and releases the rear pin, the circuit including a first hydraulic line that when pressurized extends the wedge and a second hydraulic line that when pressurized retracts the wedge, and the second position of the pilot-operated valve allows fluid to be released from the actuator regardless of whether the first hydraulic line or the second hydraulic line is pressurized.
7. a wedge for selectively retaining and releasing the rear pin, the circuit including a first hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the wedge to extend and a second hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the wedge to retract; a pilot-operated valve that alternates between a first position that allows pressurized fluid to cause the actuator to retract the safety knuckle and a second position that blocks pressurized fluid from the actuator; 2. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the pilot-operated valve is piloted by pressure from the first hydraulic line.
8. 8. The coupler of claim 7, wherein the pilot-operated valve supplies pressure to the actuator from the second hydraulic line.
9. 8. The coupler of claim 7, wherein the pilot-operated valve is operated by a plunger extending into the second receptacle.
10. 8. The coupler of claim 7, wherein the circuit allows fluid from the actuator to either the first hydraulic line or the second hydraulic line.
11. a control circuit for controlling an actuator of a safety knuckle of a coupler, the safety knuckle alternating between a locked position that prevents a safety pin of an instrument from disengaging from the coupler and a retracted position that allows the safety pin to disengage from the coupler, the coupler having a wedge that extends to selectively retain and retracts to release a rear pin of the instrument, the control circuit comprising: a pilot-operated valve that alternates between the locked position, which allows pressurized fluid to cause the actuator to retract the safety knuckle, and a second position, which blocks pressurized fluid from the actuator; A control circuit where the safety knuckle automatically resets to the locked position without operator intervention when the safety pin disengages from the coupler.
12. 12. The control circuit of claim 11, wherein the circuit uses hydraulic pressure to retract the safety knuckle and does not use hydraulic pressure to reset the safety knuckle.
13. 12. The control circuit of claim 11, including a two-way valve, operation of which selectively captures and releases pilot pressure to the pilot-operated valve.
14. The control circuit of claim 13 including a plunger that operates the two-way valve.
15. 12. The control circuit of claim 11, including a first hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the wedge to extend and a second hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the wedge to retract, and wherein the pilot-operated valve is piloted by pressure from the first hydraulic line.
16. The control circuit of claim 15, wherein the pilot operated valve supplies pressure to the actuator from the second hydraulic line.
17. 16. The control circuit of claim 15, wherein the circuit allows fluid from the actuator to either the first hydraulic line or the second hydraulic line.
18. a coupler for selectively retaining an instrument, comprising: a body defining an opening for receiving a safety pin; a safety knuckle received within the opening and configured to move between an extended position that locks a received safety pin within the opening and a retracted position that allows the safety pin to be removed from the opening; a valve assembly actuated by movement of the safety pin from the opening to release stored hydraulic energy, thereby resetting the safety knuckle from the retracted position to the extended position; A coupler comprising: