Work tool coupling apparatus, system and method

Abstract

Coupling a work tool to a work machine is provided. Hook plates affixed to a back side of the work tool run from an upper edge of the back side to a rear brace at a lower edge of the back side. A wedge pocket plate affixed to the back side of the work tool may include a wedge pocket corresponding to each hook plate. The hook plates pass through passageways in the wedge pocket plate. A work machine work tool coupler may be equipped with a work tool coupler top tube and a wedge driver associated with each wedge pocket. The work tool coupler is attached to the work tool by engaging the work tool coupler top tube with upper hooks of the hook plates and by engaging wedges and wedge tips of the wedge drivers with the wedge pocket plate pockets and lower hooks of the hook plates.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to connecting work tools to work machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to improved work tool coupling components for connecting a work tool, such as a material moving bucket to a work machine tool coupler.BACKGROUND

[0002] Modern work machines such as wheel-type and track-type material moving work machines connect to a variety of work tools such as material-moving buckets, grading blades, forklift tools, and the like. In order to quickly connect such work tools to lifting and / or pushing arms of a work machine, work tool couplers are often affixed to the lifting and / or pushing arms of the work machine. The work tool couplers may then be mated to desired work tools by engaging the work tool couplers with corresponding work tool coupling components affixed to the desired work tools. Under heavy work tool loading conditions, for example, where a work machine bucket is loaded with heavy material, forces translate through the work tool which cause deformation, breakage, or other damage to the work tool.

[0003] An example device for coupling for a wheel loader to an attachment is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,676,891B2 to Yonghui Dong titled quote “Coupler for a Wheel Loader” (hereafter “the '891 document”). In particular, the '891 document describes a coupler for coupling an attachment to a lifting arm of a wheel loader. The coupler of the '891 document describes a pair of hooks affixed to an attachment for engaging corresponding cross bars of an attached coupler. A pair of locking pin holes are disposed in protruding members affixed to the attachment for receiving the locking pins for securing the attachment to the attachment coupler. However, as the hooks are affixed to an upper back side of the attachment apart from the protruding locking pin holes, the systems of the '891 document do not prevent translation of forces through the attachment which leads to deformation, breakage or other damage to the attachment.

[0004] Examples of the present disclosure are directed to overcoming the deficiencies described above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Systems and methods are provided for connecting work tools to work machines. More particularly, present disclosure relates to improved work tool coupling components for connecting a work tool, such as a material moving bucket, to a work machine tool coupler.

[0006] According to an example, an apparatus is provided and includes a hook plate having an upper hook and a lower hook. The upper hook is configured for hanging engagement over a work tool coupler top tube, and the lower hook is configured for receiving a wedge of a work tool coupler wedge driver. The hook plate includes a surface roughness control area disposed on a back surface of the hook plate. The surface roughness control area is configured for improving hook plate fatigue life.

[0007] A wedge pocket plate is affixed to the hook plate above the lower hook. The wedge pocket plate has a wedge pocket corresponding to the hook plate. The wedge pocket is positioned above the lower hook where the wedge pocket forms a passageway for allowing the wedge to pass through the wedge pocket and into the lower hook. The wedge pocket plate includes a hook plate passageway disposed on a forward side of the wedge pocket plate at which the wedge pocket plate is affixed to the back side of the work tool. The hook plate passageway is configured for providing a passageway for the hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate. The hook plate passageway is further configured for providing a passageway for the hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate without being affixed to an upper side of the wedge pocket plate as the hook plate passes through the wedge pocket plate, and wherein the hook plate is affixed to an underside of the wedge pocket plate.

[0008] The apparatus includes a work tool having a back side configured for attachment to the work tool coupler. The hook plate is affixed to the back side, and the hook plate extends from an upper end of the back side to a lower end of the back side. A rear work tool brace is disposed along a lower end of the work tool, wherein a lower end of the hook plate terminates onto the rear work tool brace. A support panel extends from the upper end of the back side of the work tool, wherein an upper end of each of the hook plate terminates into the support panel.

[0009] The work tool coupler is affixed to a work machine and is configured for connecting the work machine to the work tool. The work tool coupler top tube is disposed horizontally along an upper end of the work tool coupler, and the work tool coupler top tube is configured for hanging engagement with the upper hook of the hook plate where the upper hook of the hook plate is configured to hang over the work tool coupler top tube.

[0010] The work tool coupler wedge driver includes a wedge actuator operative to drive the wedge through the wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate and into the lower hook of the hook plate. The wedge includes a wedge tip at a lower end of the wedge operative for insertion through the wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate and into the lower hook of the hook plate. The wedge actuator may include a hydraulic or pneumatic pump operative to drive the wedge downward and upward for engaging the wedge with and disengaging the wedge from the wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate and the lower hook of the hook plate.

[0011] According to another example, a work tool coupling system includes a work tool having a back side configured for attachment to a work machine. One or more hook plates is affixed to the back side, the one or more hook plates extending from an upper end of the back side to a lower end of the back side. A rear work tool brace is disposed along a lower end of the work tool, wherein a lower end of each of the one or more hook plates terminates onto the rear work tool brace. A support panel extends from the upper end of the back side of the work tool, wherein an upper end of each of the one or more hook plates terminates into the support panel. Each of the one or more hook plates includes an upper hook and a lower hook.

[0012] A wedge pocket plate is affixed to the back side, the wedge pocket plate having a wedge pocket corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates. The wedge pocket plate includes one or more hook plate passageways disposed on a forward side of the wedge pocket plate at which the wedge pocket plate is affixed to the back side of the work tool. Each of the one or more hook plate passageways is configured for providing a passageway for a corresponding hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate. Each of the one or more hook plate passageways is further configured for providing a passageway for a corresponding hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate. According to examples, each hook plate is affixed, e.g. by welding, to an underside of the wedge pocket plate.

[0013] A work tool coupler is attached to a work machine, the work tool coupler having a work tool coupler top tube horizontally disposed along an upper end of a front side of the work tool coupler and having a wedge driver and wedge corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates. The work tool is attached to the work tool coupler by hanging engagement of the upper hook of each of the one or more hook plates over the work tool coupler top tube and by insertion of a wedge though a wedge pocket and into a lower hook corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates.

[0014] According to another example, a method of coupling a work tool with a work machine includes affixing one or more hook plates to a back side of the work tool, the one or more hook plates extending from an upper end of the back side to a lower end of the back side, each of the one or more hook plates having an upper hook and a lower hook. A wedge pocket plate is affixed to the back side of the work tool, the wedge pocket plate having a wedge pocket corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates. The work tool coupler is attached to the work machine, the work tool coupler having a work tool coupler top tube horizontally disposed along an upper end of a front side of the work tool coupler and having a wedge driver and wedge corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates The work tool coupler is moved into engagement with the back side of the work tool such that the upper hook of each of the one or more hook plates hangs over the work tool coupler top tube and such that a wedge corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates is aligned over a corresponding wedge plate pocket. The wedge driver is actuated to insert the wedge though the corresponding wedge plate pocket and into a lower hook of a corresponding hook plate. The work tool may be de-coupled from the work machine by actuating the wedge driver to withdraw the wedge from the corresponding wedge plate pocket and by moving the work tool coupler down and to disengage the upper hook of each of the one or more hook plates from the work tool coupler top tube.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the FIG. in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a right-side elevation view of a work machine with an attached work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the work machine of FIG. 1 showing the work tool detached from a work tool coupler, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the work machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing a hook plate and wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the work machine of FIG. 3 showing attachment of a work tool coupler to a work tool by engagement of the work tool coupler with the hook plates and wedge pocket plate, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of the work tool coupler of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing a work tool coupler top tube and a pair of wedge drivers for engaging the hook plates and wedge pocket plate for securing the work tool coupler to the work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of the work tool coupler of FIG. 5 showing wedge tips of the wedge drivers deployed beneath a lower end of the work tool coupler, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a right-side perspective view of the work tool of FIGS. 2-4 showing a pair of hook plates and a wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-section perspective view of the work tool of FIG. 7, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a right side view of the work tool of FIGS. 2-4 showing a hook plate and a wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a left-side perspective view of the work tool of FIGS. 2-4 showing a pair of hook plates and a wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool and showing an enlarged view of a portion of the pair of hook plates and a wedge pocket plate, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the wedge pocket plate and lower ends of the hook plates of FIGS. 7-10, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the wedge pocket plate and lower ends of the pair of hook plates of FIGS. 7-10, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an intersection of a hook plate with a wedge pocket plate of FIG. 12, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for attaching and detaching a work tool to a work machine via a work tool coupler, according to examples of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a right-side elevation view of a work machine with an attached work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a work machine 100 is provided with which various types of work, for example, earthmoving, material moving, and the like is performed. The work machine 100 illustrates a typical front-end wheel loader with which material such as dirt, rock, concrete, wood, steel, and the like may be moved from one location to another or may be loaded onto or unloaded from a transport, such as a truck or trailer. The work machine 100, illustrated in FIG. 1, is for purposes of example only and is not limiting of other types of work machines that may be utilized according to examples of the present disclosure. For example, the work machine 100 may include a bulldozer, skid steer, tractor, large-scale earthmoving machine, and the like.

[0032] Referring still to FIG. 1, the work machine 100 includes a cab 102 in which an operator controls the work machine 100. The engine compartment 104 includes space for a combustion engine, hybrid combustion / electric engine / motor combination (e.g., a prime mover type system), an electric motor system for a fully electric work machine 100, and the like. An under-cab section 106 is provided in which various systems such as transmissions, cabin cooling systems, and the like may be maintained. The under-cab section 106 also may include various control systems and battery systems available for operation of the work machine 100.

[0033] Wheel and tire assemblies 108 are provided for moving the work machine 100. As should be appreciated, other types of movement systems such as track systems also may be used for moving the work machine 100.

[0034] Forward of the cab 102 are components required for movement and use of a work tool attached to the work machine 100. Push arm mounts 110 are provided to which are attached one or more push / lift arms 112. According to examples, the push / lift arms 112 may articulate relative to push / lift arm mounts to raise or lower an attached work tool as required for picking up, dropping and / or pushing material. According to examples, the push / lift arms 112 may articulate relative to the push arm mounts 110 via a suitable motion system, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder system.

[0035] At a forward end of the push / lift arms 112, a work tool coupler 116 is provided for attaching a work tool 118 to the push / lift arms 112. A control arm 114 is illustrated for articulating the work tool coupler 116 up and down for changing the attack angle of the work tool coupler 116 and work tool 118. The control arm 114 may be moved by a suitable motion system, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder system. As should be appreciated, the configuration of components of the work machine 100, illustrated in FIG. 1, is for purposes of illustration an example only. That is, according to other types and sizes of work machines 100, the engine compartment may be forward of the cab, work tools may be attached to a rear push / lift arm, and the like.

[0036] According to examples, the work tool 118 is illustrative of a number of different work tools that may be attached to the work machine 100 via the work tool coupler 116. For example, the work tool 118 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a bucket with which material may be pushed, scooped, lifted, dumped, and the like. Other types of work tools 118 may include grading blades for pushing material, forks for lifting material such as pallets, and the like. Different types of work tools 118 that may be utilized with the work machine 100 are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0037] Referring still to FIG. 1, as described above, a work tool coupling apparatus is disclosed. A work tool coupler 116 is provided for attaching a work tool 118 to the push / lift arms 112. According to examples, the work tool coupler 116 is illustrative of a number of different shapes and / or sizes of coupling devices that may be affixed to the forward ends of the push / lift arms 112 for attaching work tools 118 of different types and sizes. According to examples, in addition to providing a mechanical interface between the push / lift arms 112 and the work tool 118, the work tool coupler 116 provides for quick attachment and detachment of work tools 118 to the work machine 100. In some instances, the work tool coupler 116 may be designed to fit specific work tools 118. In this case, a work tool coupler 116 may be removed and replaced with another work tool coupler 116 for attaching a different work tool 118 to the work machine 100. In other instances, the work tool coupler 116 may be designed as a universal coupler that can be used for attaching a number of different types and sizes of work tools.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates the work machine of FIG. 1 showing the work tool detached from a work tool coupler, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the work tool 118 is detached from the work tool coupler 116 prior to attachment to the work tool 118 or to allow the work tool coupler 116 to be attached to a different work tool 118. Referring to the work tool coupler 116, a side phantom view of a work tool coupler top tube 214 is illustrated. As described in detail below, when the work tool coupler 116 is attached to a work tool 118, an upper end of the work tool coupler 116 is rotated forward and down. The work machine 100 is moved forward toward the work tool 118 until the work tool coupler 116 contacts a back side of the work tool 118. The work tool coupler 116 is then rotated upward until the work tool coupler top tube 214 catches underneath the work tool hook plates 216. That is, work tool hook plates 216 are configured for hanging engagement over the work tool coupler top tube 214. The lower end of the work tool coupler 116 is then rotated inward until the work tool coupler 116 fully engages the back side of the work tool 118 and the bottom of the work tool coupler connects with the work tool 118 via a wedge pocket plate 218, as described below. As should be appreciated, the components of the work tool coupler 116 and attachment of the work tool coupler 116 to the work tool 118, as illustrated and described herein, are for purposes of example only and are not limiting of a number of other configurations and connection mechanisms that may be used to attach the work tool coupler 116 to the work tool 118.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the work machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing a hook plate and wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure. Referring to the right side of FIG. 3, the work tool 118 is illustrated as a bucket with which material may be loaded, unloaded, pushed, graded, or the like. As should be appreciated, the work tool 118 may take the form of other work appliances. For example, the work tool 118 may include a grader blade, forklift device, and the like. The example work tool 118 illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a material guard 120. According to examples, the material guard 120 may prevent gravel, dirt, waste material, etc. from pouring over a back side of the work tool 118 behind work tool 118 and onto the work tool coupler 116 and components of the work machine 100.

[0040] Referring still to the work tool 118, a rear work tool brace 314 is illustrated affixed to a bottom of the work tool 118 from a rear portion of the bottom of the work tool 118 to a forward edge of the work tool 118 to a forward edge of the work tool 118. According to examples, the work tool brace 314 provides structural support for the work tool 118 and for the hook plates 216 (described below). A base edge in the form of a work tool forward cutting edge 316 is illustrated that may be affixed to or integrated with the work tool 118 to facilitate cutting or slicing of the work tool 118 through gravel, rocks, dirt, and the like.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of hook plates 216 are affixed to a back side of the work tool 118. Only one of the pair of hook plates 216 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. According to examples, the hook plates 216 may be shaped to fit along a back side of the work tool 118, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As should be appreciated, the shape of the hook plates 216 may be modified to match a back side surface geometry of other work appliances such as grading blades, forklift tools, or the like. According to examples, each hook plate 216 includes an upper hook 310 for receiving a work tool coupler top tube 214, as illustrated and described below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. A lower hook 312 is provided for receiving a wedge tip 308 of the wedge driver 302, described below. A wedge pocket plate 218 is affixed to a back side of the work tool 118. As described below with reference to FIG. 7, the wedge pocket plate 218 includes a pair of wedge pockets with each wedge pocket defining a passageway for allowing a wedge and wedge tip to pass through the wedge pocket and into the lower hook 312. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a lower end 313 of the hook plates 216 terminate onto the rear work tool brace 314 for supporting the hook plates 216.

[0042] Referring now to the left side of FIG. 3, the work tool coupler 116 includes a cover plate 300. A cutaway portion of the cover plate 300 shows one of a pair of wedge drivers 302 operative to drive a wedge 306 downward to insert a wedge tip 308 into a wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate 218 and into a lower hook 312 of the hook plate 216 of the work tool 118. According to examples, the wedge driver 302 includes a wedge driver actuator 304. The wedge driver actuator 304 may include any suitable means for moving the wedge 306 and wedge tip 308 downward to engage the wedge pocket plate 218 and to withdraw the wedge 306 and wedge tip 308 upward to disengage the wedge 306 and wedge tape tip 308 from the wedge pocket plate 218. According to examples, the wedge driver actuator 304 may include a hydraulic, pneumatic, or similar pump to move the wedge 306. Alternatively, the wedge driver actuator 304 may include a manual actuator for driving the wedge 306, for example, a gear driver operated by a handle, crank, turn wheel, or the like. As illustrated and described herein, two hook plates 216 and two wedge drivers 302 are utilized to attach the work tool coupler 116 to the work tool 118. However, as should be appreciated, additional hook plates 216 and wedge drivers 302 may be utilized if needed for different work tool and / or loading configurations.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the work machine of FIG. 3 showing attachment of a work tool coupler to a work tool by engagement of the work tool coupler with the hook plates and wedge pocket plate, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the work tool coupler 116 of the work machine 100 is attached to the work tool 118. The work tool coupler 116 is illustrated without the cover plate 300 to allow an illustration of how the work tool coupler 116 is attached to the work tool 118. For purposes of illustration, internal structures of the work tool coupler 116 are not shown in FIG. 4 but are illustrated and described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a right end of the work tool coupler top tube 214 and the wedge driver 302 and associated components are shown.

[0044] According to examples, in order to attach the work tool coupler 116 to the work tool 118, an upper end of the work tool coupler 116 is rotated forward and downward to allow the work tool coupler top tube 214 to be raised into the upper hooks 310 of the hook plates 216. A lower end of the work tool coupler 116 is then move forward until a front side of the work tool coupler 116 is engaged against a back side of the work tool 118. After engagement of the front side of the work tool coupler 116 with a back side of the work tool 118, as illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the wedge driver actuators 304 of the wedge drivers 302 are actuated to drive the wedges 306 and the wedge tips 308 downward. The wedge tips 308 move through the wedge pockets (see FIG. 7) of the wedge pocket plate 218 until the wedge tips 308 pass through the wedge pockets and into the lower hooks 312 of the hook plates 216. After, engagement of the work tool coupler top tube 214 with the upper hooks 310 of the hook plates 216 and engagement of the wedges 306 and wedge tips 308 through the wedge pockets of the wedge pocket plate 218 and lower hooks 312, the work tool is then ready for use with the work machine 100. In order to disconnect the work tool 118 from the work tool coupler 116, the above-described process is reversed. That is, the wedge tips 308 are withdrawn, and the work tool coupler is pulled downward and back to disengage the work tool coupler top tube 214 from the upper hooks 310 of hook plates 216.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of the work tool coupler of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing a work tool coupler top tube 214 and a pair of wedge drivers 302 for engaging the hook plates and wedge pocket plate of the work tool 118 for securing the work tool coupler to the work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the work tool coupler 116 includes a work tool coupler top tube 214 horizontally disposed along an upper end of the work tool coupler 116 for engaging the upper hooks 310 of the hook plates 216, as described above with reference to FIG. 4. That is, the upper hooks 310 are configured to hang over the work tool coupler top tube 214 when the work tool coupler is engaged with the hook plates 216. A pair of wedge drivers 302 are provided for engaging the wedge pocket plate 218 (and corresponding wedge pockets 704 illustrated and described below with reference to FIG. 7). As described above, the wedge drivers 302 include wedge driver actuators 304, wedges 306, and wedge tips 308. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the wedge drivers 302 have not been actuated into a downward position so the wedge tips are retracted inside the work tool coupler as also illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of the work tool coupler of FIG. 5 showing wedge tips of the wedge drivers deployed beneath a lower end of the work tool coupler, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the wedge driver actuators have been actuated to drive the wedges 306 downward so that the wedge tips 308 extend below a lower end of the work tool coupler 116 for engaging the wedge pocket plate 218 and the lower hooks 312 of the hook plates 216, as illustrated and described above with reference to FIG. 4. According to examples, engagement of the work tool coupler 116 with the hook plates 216 also causes the wedges 306 to align over corresponding wedge pocket plate pockets 704, described below.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a right-side perspective view of the work tool of FIGS. 2-4 showing a pair of hook plates and a wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a pair of hook plates 216 are provided and are affixed to a back side 702 of the work tool 118. According to examples, the hook plates 216 extend from an upper edge of the back side 702 of the work tool 118 to below a lower end of the back side 702 of the work tool 118. According to this example, a lower end of each hook plate 216 terminates into the rear work tool brace 314 where the rear work tool brace 314 supports the hook plates 216 when the work tool 118 is attached to the work tool coupler 116, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Referring still to FIG. 7, the wedge pocket plate 218 is affixed to the back side 702 of the work tool 118 just above the rear work tool brace 314. According to examples, the wedge pocket plate 218 includes wedge pockets 704 that provide a passage for the wedge 306 and wedge tip 308 through the wedge pocket plate, as illustrated and described above with reference to FIG. 4.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-section perspective view of the work tool of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 illustrates a right side view of the work tool of FIGS. 2-4 showing a hook plate and a wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 8, an interior portion 802 of the work tool 118 is shown in which material (e.g., dirt, gravel, waste material, etc.) may be loaded and from which material may be unloaded. According to examples, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a support panel 804 may be integrated with or affixed to or extending from an upper edge of the back side 702 of the work tool 118 or from a back portion of the material guard 120. According to examples, an upper end of the hook plates 216 may abut against an underside of the support panel 804 to provide additional support for loading in the hook plates 216 when the work tool 118 is attached to the work tool coupler 116 and work machine 100.

[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates a left-side perspective view of the work tool of FIGS. 2-4 showing a pair of hook plates and a wedge pocket plate affixed to a work tool and showing an enlarged view of a portion of the pair of hook plates and the wedge pocket plate, according to examples of the present disclosure. Referring to the hook plates 216, welds 1004 are provided for affixing the hook plates 216 to the back side 702 of the work tool 118. Welds 1006 are provided for fixing lower ends of the hook plates 216 to upper back surfaces of the rear work tool brace 314. A weld 1008 is provided for affixing the wedge pocket plate 218 to the back side of the work tool 118.

[0050] Referring still to FIG. 10, passageways 1010 in the wedge pocket plate 218 are provided through which the hook plates 216 pass to the rear work tool brace 314 positioned beneath the affixed wedge pocket plate 218. According to this example, the hook plates may not be welded or otherwise attached to the wedge pocket plate 218 on an upper side of the wedge pocket plate 218 at the point of intersection of the hook plates 216 with the upper side of the wedge pocket plate 218. As described below with reference to FIG. 11, the hook plates 216 may be welded or otherwise affixed to the wedge pocket plate 218 on an underside of the wedge pocket plate 218. Alternatively, the hook plates 216 may be welded or otherwise affixed to both the upper side and underside of the wedge pocket plate 218. Thus, a loading path of forces from engagement of the work tool 118 to the work tool coupler 116 (and from loading the work tool 118) remains in the hook plates 216 and the wedge pocket plate 218 without passing through the work tool 118 and base edge or forward work tool cutting edge 316 which reduces or eliminates deformation of the work tool 118 and base edge or forward work tool cutting edge 316.

[0051] According to examples, surface roughness control areas 1012 are provided on outer surfaces of each of the hook plates 216 above the point of intersection between the hook plates 216 and the wedge pocket plate 218 via the passageways 1010 in the wedge pocket plate. According to examples, the surface roughness control areas may start above the passageways 1010 of each of the wedge pocket plates and may terminate at the point at which the hook plates pass through the passageway is 1010 of the wedge pocket plates, or the surface roughness control areas may continue below the wedge pocket plates. The surface roughness control areas enable zero work tool 118 offset with respect to the work tool coupler 116 and improves hook plate fatigue life.

[0052] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the wedge pocket plate and lower ends of the hook plates of FIGS. 7-10, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the lower ends of the hook plates 216 pass through passageways 1010 of the wedge pocket plate 218 and terminate on to upper back sides of the rear work tool brace 314. The lower hooks 312 of the hook plates 216 are illustrated beneath the wedge pocket plate into which the wedge tips 308 of the wedges 306 are inserted, as illustrated in FIG. 4. According to examples, the lower hooks 312 of the hook plates 216 may be affixed to the underside of the wedge pocket plate 218. As illustrated in FIG. 11, welds 1014 may be used to affix the lower hooks 312 of the hook plates 216 to the underside of the wedge pocket plate 218.

[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the wedge pocket plate and lower ends of the pair of hook plates of FIGS. 7-10, according to examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the wedge pockets 704 are further illustrated through which the wedge tips 308 of the wedges 306 pass to engage the lower hooks 312 of the lower ends of the hook plates 216. The passageways 1010 of the wedge pocket plate 218 are further illustrated through which the hook plates 216 pass to the rear work tool brace 314.

[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an intersection of a hook plate 216 with a wedge pocket plate 218, according to examples of the present disclosure. In FIG. 13, one of the passageways 1010 of the wedge pocket plate 218 through which a hook plate 216 passes to the rear work tool brace 314 is further illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the hook plate 216 passes through the passageway 1010 of the wedge pocket plate 218 without contacting the wedge pocket plate as a lower end of the hook plate 216 descends to the rear work tool brace 314 (see FIG. 12).

[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for attaching and detaching a work tool to a work machine via a work tool coupler, according to examples of the present disclosure. The method 1400 begins at operation 1402 and proceeds to operation 1404 where the work tool coupler 116 is attached to the work machine 100. According to examples, the work tool coupler 116 is attached to the push / lift arms 112, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

[0056] At operation 1404, in anticipation of connecting the work tool coupler 116 to the work tool 118, the wedge tips 308 of the wedges 306 are raised (if currently lowered) by actuating the wedge driver actuators 304 as described above with reference to FIG. 5. After the wedge tips 308 are raised, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the work machine 100 is driven forward to close proximity with an awaiting work tool 118. That is, the work machine 100 is driven forward to position a front side of the work tool coupler 116 with a back side 702 of the work tool 118, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0057] At operation 1408, the upper end of the work tool coupler 116 is lowered to allow the work tool coupler top tube 214 to be engaged with the hook plate 216. The work tool coupler 116 is next raised until the work tool coupler top tube 214 engages the upper hook 310 of the hook plates 216, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0058] At operation 1410, the lower end of the work tool coupler 116 is moved forward until a forward side of the work tool coupler 116 is engaged against the back side 702 of the work tool 118, as illustrated in FIG. 4. At this operation, movement of the work tool coupler into position against the back side 702 of the work tool 118 allows the wedges 306 of the wedge drivers 302 to be positioned over the wedge pockets 704 of the wedge pocket plate 218.

[0059] At operation 1412, the wedge driver actuators 304 of the wedge drivers 302 are actuated to drive the wedges 306 and wedge tips 308 downward until the wedge tips 308 passed through the wedge pockets 704 and engage the lower hooks 312 of the hook plates 216, as illustrated in FIG. 4. After engagement of the work tool coupler 116 with the work tool 118, as described herein, the work tool 118 may be used for pushing, scooping, grading, loading, unloading material, and the like as desired.

[0060] At operation 1414, after use of the work tool 118 is finished, de-coupling work tool 118 from the work tool coupler 116 may allow for use of a different work tool if desired. In order to disconnect or de-couple the work tool 118 from the work tool coupler 116, the work tool 118 is moved to a location where it may be deposited for subsequent use. At operation 1414, the wedge driver actuators are actuated to raise the wedges 306 and wedge tips 308 up and out the wedge pockets 704.

[0061] At operation 1416, the work tool coupler 116 is then lowered to disengage the work tool coupler top tube 214 from the upper hooks 310 of the hook plates 216 to disconnect the work tool coupler 116 from the work tool 118. The work machine 100 may then be backed away from the work tool 118 to deposit the work tool 118 for subsequent use.

[0062] The method 1400 ends at operation 1418.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0063] Systems and methods are provided for coupling a work tool to a work machine such as a wheel-type or track-type work machine. According to examples, a work tool, such as a bucket, attached to a work machine may be used for loading and unloading material of various types, for example, dirt, gravel, concrete, wood, waste materials, and the like. When a work tool is heavily loaded, forces translate through the work tool which can cause deformation, breakage, or other damage to the work tool.

[0064] Hook plates may be affixed to a back side of the work tool and run from an upper edge of the back side of the work tool to a rear work tool brace disposed along a rear bottom edge of the back side of the work tool. Two hook plates may be used to attach the work tool to a work tool coupler attached to push / lift arms of the work machine. The hook plates may be welded to the back side of the work tool. Alternatively, more than two hook plates may be used to support larger work tools. Each hook plate may include an upper hook and a lower hook. Surface roughness control areas may be applied to back sides of the hook plates for improving fatigue life of the hook plates. According to examples, the surface roughness control areas are disposed above, through and below an intersection point at which the hook plates pass through passageways in a wedge pocket plate utilized for securing a lower end of the work tool coupler to the work tool.

[0065] The wedge pocket plate may be affixed to the back side of the work tool above the rear work tool brace. The wedge pocket plate may be welded to the back side of the work tool. The wedge pocket plate includes a wedge pocket corresponding to each hook plate. According to examples, the wedge pocket plate includes a passageway corresponding to each hook plate so that the hook plates pass through the passageways in the wedge pocket plate. According to examples, the lower hooks of the hook plates are affixed, e.g., by welding, to an underside of the wedge pocket plate.

[0066] The work tool coupler is attached to push / lift arms of the work machine and may be equipped with a work tool coupler top tube and a wedge driver associated with each wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate. The wedge drivers include wedge driver actuators, wedges at a lower end of each wedge driver and wedge tips at a lower end of each wedge. The work tool coupler is attached to the work tool by engaging the work tool coupler top tube with the upper hook of each of the hook plates. After the wedge tool coupler top tube is engaged, the wedge drivers may be actuated for driving the wedges and wedge tips through corresponding wedge pockets of the wedge pocket plate and into corresponding lower hooks of the hook plates. Engagement of the work tool coupler top tube with the upper hooks of the hook plates and engagement of the wedges and wedge tips into the wedge pockets and lower hooks of the hook plates fully connects the work tool with the work tool coupler and to the work machine to allow the work tool to be ready for use.

[0067] When the work tool encounters loading due to attachment of the work tool to the work tool coupler and / or due to loading the work tool with material or lifting material with the work tool, a loading path that carries forces from engagement of the work tool to the work tool coupler (and from loading the work tool) remains in, or is isolated to, the hook plates and the wedge pocket plate without passing through the work tool and base edge or forward work tool cutting edge which reduces or eliminates deformation of the work tool and base edge or forward work tool cutting edge. Because loading forces pass through the hook plates and wedge pocket plate, deformation, breakage, or other damage to the work tool caused by loading forces is minimized because the loading forces are borne by the hook plates and wedge pocket plate instead of being borne by the work tool. That is, the forces and loading passing through the hook plates and wedge pocket plate do not translate through the work tool and base edge or forward work tool cutting edge, and thus, loading forces do not cause deformation, breakage or other damage to the work tool and / or to the base edge or forward work tool cutting edge. In addition, the surface roughness control areas applied to the back sides of the hook plates provide for improving hook plate fatigue life. The surface roughness control areas also enable zero work tool offset with respect to the work tool coupler and aid in preventing the rear work tool brace from deforming or otherwise being damaged.

[0068] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:a hook plate having an upper hook and a lower hook, the upper hook configured for hanging engagement over a work tool coupler top tube, and the lower hook configured for receiving a wedge of a work tool coupler wedge driver; anda wedge pocket plate affixed to the hook plate above the lower hook, the wedge pocket plate having a wedge pocket corresponding to the hook plate, the wedge pocket positioned above the lower hook, the wedge pocket defining a passageway for allowing the wedge to pass through the wedge pocket and into the lower hook.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a work tool having a back side configured for attachment to the work tool coupler; andthe hook plate affixed to the back side, the hook plate extending from an upper end of the back side to a lower end of the back side.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:a rear work tool brace disposed along a lower end of the work tool, wherein a lower end of the hook plate terminates onto the rear work tool brace.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:a support panel extending from the upper end of the back side of the work tool, wherein an upper end of each of the hook plate terminates into the support panel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hook plate includes a surface roughness control area disposed on a back surface of the hook plate; the surface roughness control area configured for improving hook plate fatigue life.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wedge pocket plate includes a hook plate passageway disposed on a forward side of the wedge pocket plate at which the wedge pocket plate is affixed to the back side of the work tool, the hook plate passageway configured for providing a passageway for the hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the hook plate passageway is further configured for providing a passageway for the hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate without being affixed to an upper side of the wedge pocket plate as the hook plate passes through the wedge pocket plate; andwherein the hook plate is affixed to an underside of the wedge pocket plate.

8. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the work tool coupler is affixed to a work machine and is configured for connecting the work machine to the work tool; andwherein the work tool coupler top tube is disposed horizontally along an upper end of the work tool coupler, the work tool coupler top tube configured for hanging engagement with the upper hook of the hook plate where the upper hook of the hook plate is configured to hang over the work tool coupler top tube.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the work tool coupler wedge driver includes a wedge actuator operative to drive the wedge through the wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate and into the lower hook of the hook plate.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wedge includes a wedge tip at a lower end of the wedge operative for insertion through the wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate and into the lower hook of the hook plate.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wedge actuator includes a hydraulic pump operative to drive the wedge downward and upward for engaging the wedge with and disengaging the wedge from the wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate and the lower hook of the hook plate.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the work tool comprises a bucket.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the work machine is a wheel-type work machine.

14. A work tool coupling system, comprising:a work tool having a back side configured for attachment to a work machine;one or more hook plates affixed to the back side, the one or more hook plates extending from an upper end of the back side to a lower end of the back side, each of the one or more hook plates having an upper hook and a lower hook;a wedge pocket plate affixed to the back side, the wedge pocket plate having a wedge pocket corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates;a work tool coupler attached to a work machine, the work tool coupler having a work tool coupler top tube horizontally disposed along an upper end of a front side of the work tool coupler and having a wedge driver and wedge corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates;wherein the work tool is attached to the work tool coupler by hanging engagement of the upper hook of each of the one or more hook plates over the work tool coupler top tube and by insertion of a wedge though a wedge pocket and into a lower hook corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the wedge pocket plate includes one or more hook plate passageways disposed on a forward side of the wedge pocket plate at which the wedge pocket plate is affixed to the back side of the work tool, each of the one or more hook plate passageways configured for providing a passageway for a corresponding hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the each of the one or more hook plate passageways is further configured for providing a passageway for a corresponding hook plate to pass through the wedge pocket plate without being affixed to an upper side of the wedge pocket plate; and wherein each of the one or more hook plates is affixed to an underside of the wedge pocket plate.

17. The system of claim 14, further comprising:a rear work tool brace disposed along a lower end of the work tool, wherein a lower end of each of the one or more hook plates terminates onto the rear work tool brace; anda support panel extending from the upper end of the back side of the work tool, wherein an upper end of each of the one or more hook plates terminates into the support panel.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the wedge driver of the wedge tool coupler includes a wedge actuator operative to drive a wedge through a corresponding wedge pocket of the wedge pocket plate and into a corresponding lower hook of a corresponding hook plate.

19. A method of coupling a work tool with a work machine, comprising:affixing one or more hook plates to a back side of the work tool, the one or more hook plates extending from an upper end of the back side to a lower end of the back side, each of the one or more hook plates having an upper hook and a lower hook;affixing a wedge pocket plate to the back side of the work tool, the wedge pocket plate having a wedge pocket corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates;attaching a work tool coupler to the work machine, the work tool coupler having a work tool coupler top tube horizontally disposed along an upper end of a front side of the work tool coupler and having a wedge driver and wedge corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates;moving the work tool coupler into engagement with the back side of the work tool such that the upper hook of each of the one or more hook plates hangs over the work tool coupler top tube and such that a wedge corresponding to each of the one or more hook plates is aligned over a corresponding wedge plate pocket; andactuating the wedge driver to insert the wedge though the corresponding wedge plate pocket and into a lower hook of a corresponding hook plate.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising de-coupling the work tool from the work machine by actuating the wedge driver to withdraw the wedge from the corresponding wedge plate pocket and by moving the work tool coupler down and to disengage the upper hook of each of the one or more hook plates from the work tool coupler top tube.

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