QUICK-RELEASE MECHANISM FOR FASTENING REPLACEMENT ATTACHMENTS

Abstract

This utility model pertains to mechanical engineering, specifically to devices for low-mechanization equipment, and can be used for the rapid installation of attachments with torque transmission from the machine to the attachment. A quick-release mechanism for attaching a replaceable attachment comprises a mounting bracket with a locking device and guide axles, as well as a mating bracket for the attachment. The mechanism is equipped with a self-centering detachable coupling for torque transmission. The mounting bracket and attachment bracket are designed as flat rectangular plates with curved sidewalls forming a U-shaped profile. The locking device is designed as a spring-loaded rod with a rounded handle and an annular groove interacting with a groove in the bushing to limit travel. Guide axles are secured to the sidewalls of the mounting bracket, and guide grooves interacting with the axles are formed on the sidewalls of the attachment bracket.The locking mechanism is manual and can be either directly on the rod or cable-operated and attached to the control handle. The technical result is improved safety and ease of use by eliminating the need for a pedal drive and automatically engaging the clutch during mechanical locking. 5 pp. f-ly, 4 figs.

Description

[0001] FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The utility model relates to the field of mechanical engineering, namely to devices for small-scale mechanization, and can be used for the rapid installation of attachments with the transmission of torque from the machine to the attachments.

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Various devices for attaching interchangeable attachments to small-scale mechanization equipment are known in the prior art. For example, sweepers with interchangeable attachments are known, in which the working element is attached to the transmission housing using threaded connections (bolts, wing nuts) or a pedal. Most known solutions lack means for automatically transmitting torque through the coupling assembly. A disadvantage of such solutions is the slow speed of equipment replacement due to the need to loosen and tighten fasteners, as well as the difficulty of aligning the machine's drive shaft with the attachment shaft. This operation typically requires a second operator to hold the attachment in alignment.

[0005] Using the foot pedal drive of the locking device creates a hazard for the operator, especially when operating in winter conditions, since the operator is forced to transfer his body weight to one foot to operate the pedal, which on icy or slippery surfaces leads to a high risk of losing balance and falling.

[0006] There is therefore a need to create a quick-release coupling that would provide both reliable mechanical fixation of the attachment and simultaneous automatic connection of the drive, while eliminating the need for the operator to perform actions associated with the risk of loss of balance.

[0007] A prior art quick-release coupling known primarily for low-mechanization tools and hand-held motor tools (RU Patent No. 2032842C1) comprises a chassis on which a drive is mounted. The drive output shaft is connected to the shaft of the working element via a coupling device. The coupling device consists of a female coupling part, on the outer side of which a through socket with a slot on the side of the male part is formed. A spring-loaded shaped pin formed by a rod, a truncated cone, and a hollow cylinder is placed in the socket. The free end of the rod extends outward, and the lateral surface of the cone is mated through a slot at the moment of fixation with a conical chamfer formed on the outer surface of the male part of the shaft of the working element. A spring is placed in the cylindrical cavity, the travel of which is limited by the large base of the cone and the plug of the outlet opening of the socket.The outer surface of the cylindrical generatrix serves as a guide for the finger.

[0008] The disadvantages of this well-known patent include unreliable locking when the conical surfaces of the pin and the mating flat are aligned when exposed to sand, snow, or dust, as in municipal vehicle operating conditions, and the lack of automatic torque transmission. The connection only mechanically locks the shafts but does not contain a built-in clutch for transmitting torque, requiring additional design solutions.

[0009] A known prior art is a quick-release hook-type coupling device for tractor attachments (US Patent No. 4,717,166 A), comprising a front pushing frame having a means for attaching it to the chassis of said vehicle in a position in which the front end portion of said pushing frame projects forward of said vehicle. The front end portion comprises two vertical supports located transversely to said pushing frame, a transverse pin secured to each leg, and a transverse retractable locking pin secured to each leg. A hook frame and a means for attaching said hook frame to the rear of a working implement are mounted under said pin. The hook frame includes a pair of supports located transversely from each other, vertical hook plates, each of which has an upper, downward-facing hook element and an opening under said hook element.Hook elements capable of engaging said studs, and said locking pins capable of engaging said openings for connecting said tool to said vehicle. A guide plate secured to the outer side of each of said legs and spaced apart therefrom. The pin passes through the space between the guide plate and the leg, and the locking pin passes through this space when engaged with a hole in the hook plate.

[0010] The disadvantages of this known device include the lack of a means to retain the locking pins in the retracted position, making it extremely difficult to change attachments without assistance. The coupling assembly also lacks automatic torque transmission. The device only mechanically secures the attachment and lacks a built-in clutch to transmit torque from the machine's drive to the working tool, requiring a separate power take-off (PTO) connection.

[0011] Of the known technical solutions, the closest in purpose and technical essence to the utility model is a quick-release connection for changing attachments, implemented in the DAEWOO DASC 7080 sweeper. The general structure of the machine, its layout, the list of replaceable parts (brush, snow blower, blade, container), as well as the design and operating principle of the quick-release fastening unit are disclosed in the operating manual (see "Operating Manual for the DAEWOO DASC 7080 Sweeper. Attachments DASC 560T | DASC 750 B | DASC 800 B", available online, in particular on pages 5, 13, etc. at the link: https: / / cdn.kuvalda.ru / data / file / document / 78 / 61 / c7 / 7861c79bf020a8eb26c60868f1 7b9ef05679.pdf).

[0012] According to the cited source, the quick-release coupling comprises a mounting unit on the self-propelled chassis, designed as a bracket with locking hooks D; a mating unit on the attachment (brush, snow blower), equipped with an axis C for interaction with said hooks, as well as a locking element E; a pedal B, located on the chassis and kinematically connected to the locking element. The pedal is designed to be pressed by the operator's foot to disengage the locking element E and release the attachment.

[0013] According to the manual, the attachment detaches as follows: the operator, holding the machine by the handles, presses pedal B, which disengages locking mechanism E, after which the brush (or other attachment) separates from the machine body. Attachment is performed in the reverse order: roll the attachment toward the machine, hook hooks D onto axle C, and then lift pedal B until locking mechanism E engages.

[0014] The disadvantages of the prototype include reduced safety and stability of the operator when performing operations of mounting or detaching attachments, especially in winter operating conditions, since in order to operate the pedal, the operator is forced to transfer the body weight to one leg, which on an icy surface creates a high risk of losing balance and falling.

[0015] DISCLOSURE OF THE ESSENCE OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0016] The technical problem, which the claimed utility model is aimed at solving, consists in eliminating the aforementioned shortcomings by creating a design of a quick-release connection that ensures the safety of the operator when changing attachments and combines mechanical fixation with the connection of the drive in a single movement.

[0017] The technical result of the utility model is the creation of an ergonomic design of a quick-release connection that ensures reliable and quick fixation of a replaceable attachment, eliminating the need for an unstable position of the user and allowing the combination of mechanical fastening and transmission of torque to the working element in one operation.

[0018] The technical result is achieved by a quick-release mechanism for attaching a removable attachment, comprising a mounting bracket with a rod and guide axles, as well as a mating bracket for the attachment, equipped with a self-centering detachable coupling for torque transmission. The rod is spring-loaded, allows for manual retraction, and is equipped with a rounded handle for easy gripping. The rod drive is manual and is located directly on it or connected to it via a cable, linking it to the machine control station.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the utility model, the rod drive may be implemented using a cable, connecting the control handle to the rod. The mounting bracket may be designed as a separate unit attached to the machine or as an integral part of its body. The mating bracket for the attachment is designed with guide grooves that engage with the mounting bracket axes and a hole for the locking mechanism.

[0020] The self-centering split coupling consists of two coupling halves, one of which is fixed on the output shaft of the machine, and the other on the input shaft of the attachment.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 - quick-release mechanism for attaching interchangeable attachments.

[0023] Phys. 2 - manual mounting bracket.

[0024] Fig. 3 - Cable-operated mounting bracket.

[0025] Fig. 4 - coupling.

[0026] IMPLEMENTATION OF A UTILITY MODEL

[0027] Further, all components of the proposed utility model are described in detail with references to the drawings and the positions indicated therein for a more complete understanding of the scope and all technical aspects of the claimed technical solution by a person skilled in the art.

[0028] The quick-release mechanism for fastening a replaceable attachment (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4) consists of a mounting bracket (1), a mating bracket (2) and a self-centering detachable coupling (3) consisting of a leading (18) and a driven (20) half-coupling. The mounting bracket (1) is made in the form of a flat rectangular plate with side walls bent at a right angle, forming a U-shaped profile with small shelves. Guide axes (4), made in the form of cylindrical rods, are rigidly fixed to the side walls of the mounting bracket. The axes (4) are located coaxially and symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the bracket. At the base of the mounting bracket (1) there is a bushing (5), in which a rod (6) is installed. An annular groove (7) is made on the side surface of the rod (6). A rounded handle (8) is secured to the free end of the rod. A locking pin (9) is secured to the rod (6), protruding radially beyond the surface of the rod. A longitudinal groove (10) is made in the sleeve (5).The locking pin (9) is located in the longitudinal groove (10) and can move along it. A compression spring (11) is mounted on the rod (6), one end of which rests against the washer (12), which is pressed against the pin (9), and the other end against the side wall of the mounting bracket (1). The counter bracket (2) is made in the form of a flat rectangular plate with side walls bent at a right angle, forming a U-shaped profile with small shelves. On the side walls of the counter bracket (2) there are three hook-shaped guide grooves (13) and one locking hole (14). The guide grooves (13) are open on one side and have a shape that ensures interaction with the guide axes (4) with the possibility of engagement when turning the counter bracket (2). The mounting bracket (1) and the counter bracket (2) are provided in the center with round holes (15) and (16), respectively. The machine shaft (17), on which the driving half coupling (18) is fixed, passes through the hole (15).The shaft (19) of the working element of the hitch, on which the driven half coupling (20) is fixed, passes through the opening (16) of the mating bracket (2). The leading (18) and driven (20) half couplings are designed with the possibility of mutual centering and engagement when the brackets (1) and (2) are brought together.

[0029] In the particular case of implementing the mechanism with a cable drive, an additional longitudinal groove (21) is made in the mounting bracket (1). The locking pin (9) is located in the longitudinal groove (10) of the sleeve (5) and in the additional longitudinal groove (21) of the mounting bracket (1). The pin (9) is spring-loaded on both sides by the first spring (22) and the second spring (23). The spring (22) is attached at one end to the pin (9), and at the other end to the side wall of the mounting bracket (1), ensuring the return of the pin (9) to its original position. The spring (23) is attached at one end to the pin (9), and at the other end is connected to the cable (24). The cable (24) is passed between the bushing (5) and the plane of the mounting bracket (1) and its second end is connected to the control handle located on the steering column of the machine.

[0030] In the assembled working position of the mechanism, the mating bracket (2) with its supporting surface adjoins the surface of the mounting bracket (1). The guide axes (4) are located in the depth of the guide grooves (13). The rod (6), under the action of the spring (11), is in the first (working) position, in which its end enters the locking hole (14) of the mating bracket (2). The half couplings (18) and (20) are engaged.

[0031] Utility model operation

[0032] The user grasps the rounded handle (8) and pulls the rod (6) to the open position, overcoming the force of the spring (11). The locking pin (9) slides along the longitudinal groove (10) of the sleeve (5), limiting the rod's travel and preventing it from turning. In the open position of the rod (6), the annular groove (7) is positioned opposite the guide groove (13) of the mating bracket (2), allowing for the smooth installation of attachments without the use of special tools.

[0033] In the particular case of the mechanism with a cable drive, the operator acts on the control handle located on the steering column of the machine, pulling the cable (24). The force from the cable (24) is transmitted through the spring (23) to the locking pin (9). The spring (23) ensures a smooth transmission of force and compensates for possible distortions. The locking pin (9), under the action of force, slides along the longitudinal groove (10) of the sleeve (5) and the additional longitudinal groove (21) of the mounting bracket (1), pulling the rod (6) along and moving it to the open position against the force of the main return spring (22). In the open position of the rod (6), the annular groove (7) is located opposite the guide groove (13) of the mating bracket (2), ensuring the possibility of unhindered installation of the attachment without the use of special tools.

[0034] Next, regardless of the drive version, holding the rod (6) in the open position, the operator rotates the attachment together with the mating bracket (2) around the guide axes (4) in the direction of the mounting bracket (1) until the brackets are fully mated. During this rotation, the leading (18) and driven (20) half couplings come together, they are automatically centered and engaged due to the self-centering design of the coupling (3), which ensures a precise connection of the machine shaft (17) with the shaft of the working element of the hitch (19) without additional adjustment. When the hitch reaches the extreme working position, the locking hole (14) of the mating bracket (2) is aligned with the axis of the rod (6). After aligning the holes, the operator stops acting on the rod (6) [releases the handle (8) or stops tensioning the cable (24)].Under the action of the spring (11) [or return spring (22)], the rod (6) returns to the first (working) position, in which its end enters the locking hole (14), securely locking the connection.

[0035] To dismount the attachment, the operator operates the rod (6) in the appropriate manner [either directly by the handle (8) or by pulling the cable (24)], moving it to the second (open) position. In this case, the rod (6) comes out of the hole (14), and the connection is unlocked. Holding the rod (6) in the open position, the operator rotates the attachment in the opposite direction, removing the guide axles (4) from the guide grooves (13). In this case, the driving (18) and driven (20) halves of the coupling are automatically disconnected. After the axles (4) come out of the grooves (13), the attachment is removed from the mounting bracket (1).

[0036] The mechanism's design thus enables the mechanical locking and drive engagement to be performed in a single motion, while the operator maintains a stable position throughout the entire process, eliminating the need to shift body weight to activate the lock. The U-shaped profile of the mounting and counter brackets ensures the necessary structural rigidity and creates guide surfaces that facilitate alignment of the components during attachment installation. The cable drive, with cable (24) attached to pin (9) via spring (23) and guided in two parallel grooves (10) and (21), ensures smooth operation, prevents jamming, and improves the reliability of locking from a remote location, such as the operator's station.

Claims

1. A quick-release mechanism for fastening a replaceable attachment, comprising a mounting bracket with a rod and guide axes, as well as a mating bracket for the attachment and a detachable coupling for transmitting torque, characterized in that the detachable coupling is self-centering and consists of a leading half-coupling connected to the drive shaft of the machine and a driven half-coupling connected to the shaft of the working element of the attachment, wherein the rod is made spring-loaded with the possibility of reciprocating movement between the locking position and the release position and is equipped with a manual drive for its retraction.

2. The mechanism according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the mounting bracket is made in the form of a flat rectangular plate with side walls bent at a right angle, forming a U-shaped profile with small shelves, and the guide axes are fixed on said side walls and are located coaxially and symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket, and a sleeve for accommodating the rod is made at the base of the mounting bracket.

3. The mechanism according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the rod has a rounded handle at the free end, while an annular groove is made on the side surface of the rod, and a locking pin is fixed to the rod, interacting with a longitudinal groove made in the bushing of the mounting bracket, to limit the stroke of the rod.

4. The mechanism according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the counter bracket is made in the form of a flat rectangular plate with side walls bent at a right angle, forming a U-shaped profile with small shelves, and on the side walls of the counter bracket there are guide grooves, open on one side and having a shape that ensures interaction with the guide axes of the mounting bracket with the possibility of engagement when turning the counter bracket, and in the base of the counter bracket there is a counter hole for interaction with the rod.

5. The mechanism according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the manual drive of the rod is designed with the possibility of direct action of the operator on the round handle of the rod.

6. The mechanism according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the manual drive of the rod is made by a cable, wherein an annular groove is made on the side surface of the rod, and a locking pin is fixed on the rod, interacting with a longitudinal groove made in the bushing of the mounting bracket, in order to limit the stroke of the rod, while the rod is spring-loaded on both sides by means of the first and second springs, while the cable is attached at one end to the locking pin through the second spring, passed between the rod and the plane of the mounting bracket, and the second end is connected to the control handle located on the steering column of the machine.

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