Quick coupler system

Abstract

A quick coupler system configured to attach a work tool to a work machine is provided. The quick coupler system comprises a work tool pin recess, a locking wedge, an actuator, a sensor and a controller. The work tool pin recess is configured to receive a pin of a work tool. The locking wedge locking wedge is configured to slide relative to the work tool pin recess in order to secure the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess. The actuator is configured to slide the locking wedge. The sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of a configuration of the locking wedge. The controller is configured to determine when the locking wedge has secured the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess based on the signal output by the senor.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] QUICK COUPLER SYSTEM

[0003] Field of the Disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure relates to systems for attaching work tools to work machines.

[0005] Background

[0006] Work machines such as excavators, mini-excavators, backhoes and the like are typically configured to be operated with a variety of different work tools. Examples of common work tools are buckets of various sizes and shapes, compactors, augers, hammers, shears, and the like. In order to allow a work machine to change between different work tools, a coupler system is provided at the end of the boom assembly to which a work tool can be connected.

[0007] One known type of coupler system for work tools requires an operator to manually connect or disconnect a work tool, for example by screwing / unscrewing a bolt and / or opening or closing some form of mechanical connection. Such manually operated coupler systems are typically relatively slow to operate, as an operator of the work machine may have to move from a cabin of a work machine in order to connect / disconnect the coupler system.

[0008] Another type of coupler system involves the use of an actuator (e.g. a hydraulic ram) to allow the coupling system to connect and disconnect from a work tool without requiring an operator to physically manipulate the coupler system. Such coupler systems are generally referred to as a quick coupler system. In such quick coupler systems, it is important to carefully control the connection process and the disconnection process in order to ensure that the quick coupler system operates in a safe manner.

[0009] GB-A-2466646 discloses a safety system for a quick hitch coupler. The safety system comprises a sensor mounted on a bracket. The sensor is positioned to detect the presence or absence of a safety pin which is inserted by hand into the quick hitch coupler. The safety pin is disposed directly behind a body portion of a jaw of the quick hitch and engages in apertures in thebody portion of the quick hitch. When the safety pin is not in position, a valve diverts the flow of hydraulic pressure away from the control valves of the excavator to immobilise the machine. The valve operates after a time delay following the detection that the safety pin is absent, where the time delay is long enough to allow a tool change without the excavator controls being inhibited.

[0010] Against this background, the present disclosure provides an improved, or at least commercially relevant alternative, quick coupler system.

[0011] According to a first aspect, a quick coupler system configured to attach a work tool to a work machine is provided. The quick coupler system comprises:

[0012] a work tool pin recess configured to receive a pin of a work tool a locking wedge, wherein the locking wedge is configured to slide relative to the work tool pin recess in order to secure the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess;

[0013] an actuator configured to slide the locking wedge;

[0014] a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a configuration of the locking wedge; and

[0015] a controller configured to determine when the locking wedge has secured the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess based on the signal output by the senor.

[0016] The quick coupler system of the first aspect allows a work tool to be connected to a work machine remotely (i.e. without requiring an operator to manually connect / disconnect the work tool from the work machine). The quick coupler system utilises a work tool pin recess and a locking wedge to secure a pin of a work tool. The slidable nature of the locking wedge means that when the pin of the work tool is correctly located in the work tool pin recess, the locking wedge may be positioned in a defined location (i.e. a lock position of the wedge). In the event that the pin of the work tool is not correctly positioned in the work tool pin recess (e.g. the pin is absent, or is displaced from the recess during locking), the locking wedge may end up in a different position. Forexample, an actuator may drive the locking wedge beyond the lock position due to the absence of the pin (i.e. an overtravel position).

[0017] The quick coupler system of the first aspect includes a sensor which is configured to output a signal indicative of a configuration of the locking wedge. In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to output a signal indicative of a position of the locking wedge. As such, the configuration of the locking wedge may be a position of the locking wedge (e.g. relative to the pin recess), or an arrangement of one or more components of the locking wedge, such as a retention arm. For example, the sensor may indicate when the locking wedge is in the locking position. Based on this signal, the controller may determine if the locking wedge has correctly secured the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess based on the signal output by the sensor. Similarly, the controller can detect when the quick coupler system has not operated as intended (e.g. the work tool pin is absent or has become displaced from the work tool pin recess during operation of the quick coupler system), based on the position of the locking wedge. The determination by the controller of whether the locking wedge has secured the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess based on the signal output by the senor can be used by the work machine to ensure that the work machine is operated in a safe manner. For example, the controller may inform the operator of the work machine of the operating state of the quick coupler system.

[0018] Brief Description of the Figures

[0019] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting figures in which:

[0020] Fig.1 shows an isometric diagram of a boom assembly of a work machine;

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a quick coupler system and a work tool;

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a section view of a quick coupler system in an open position;

[0023] Fig. 4 shows a section view of the quick coupler system in a lock position;Fig. 5 shows a section view of the quick coupler system in an overtravel position;

[0024] Fig. 6 shows an isometric diagram of a locking wedge of the quick coupler system;

[0025] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of the locking wedge;

[0026] Fig. 8 shows a side view of the locking wedge;

[0027] Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of another quick coupler in a closed position;

[0028] Fig. 10 shows an isometric view of a locking wedge of the quick coupler of Fig. 9;

[0029] Fig. 11 shows another isometric view of the locking wedge of the quick coupler of Fig. 9 where the retention arm is engaged with a pin; and Fig. 12 shows an isometric view of the of the locking wedge of the quick coupler of Fig. 9 where the retention arm is not engaged with a pin.

[0030] Detailed

[0031]

[0032] According to an embodiment of the disclosure a work machine (not shown) is provided. For example, the work machine may be an excavator, a backhoe, and the like. Fig. 1 shows an isometric diagram of a boom assembly 1 of a work machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The boom assembly 1 may be configured to be connected to a chassis (not shown in Fig.

[0033] 1) of a work machine. The boom assembly 1 may comprise a boom 2, a stick 4, a work tool 10, and a quick coupler system 20. The boom 2, stick 4, and quick coupler system 20 may each be actuated by a respective actuator 3, 5, 7, which may be a hydraulic actuator or an electro-mechanical actuator for example. It will be appreciated from Figs. 1 and 2 that the boom 2, stick 4, actuators 3, 5, 7, and quick coupler system 20 may be interconnected.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows an isometric diagram of a quick coupler system 20 which is partially connected to a work tool 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the work tool 10 is a bucket. Other types of work tool 10, such as compactors, augers, hammers, shears, and the like may be utilised with the quick coupler system 20 of this disclosure.As will be appreciated from Fig. 2, the work tool 10 includes a first pin 12 and a second pin 14. The first and second pins 12, 14 are configured to engage with respective first and second recesses 22, 24 of the quick coupler system 20. When the first and second pins 12, 14 are located in the first and second recesses 22, 24 respectively, the quick coupler system 20 is configured to secure the first and second pins 12, 14 in the respective recesses 22, 24. Once secured, the work tool 10 may then be safely operated by the work machine. The quick coupler system 20 may also be operated to release the first and second pins 12, 14 from the first and second recesses 22, 24 in order to allow the work tool to be released from the quick coupler system 20. Thus, the quick coupler system 20 may be used to allow an operator of the work machine to quickly connect and disconnect various work tools 10 to the work machine.

[0035] Embodiments of this disclosure describe a work tool 10 having a first pin 12 and a second 14 which have a generally cylindrical geometry. The generally cylindrical first and second pins 12, 14 interface with the first and second recesses 22, 24 of the quick coupler system 20. While the pins shown in Fig. 2 each have a generally circular cross section, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the first and second pins 12, 14 may have other shapes / geometries / cross sections. As such, the first and second pins 12, 14 may have various different connector, or interface shapes with the first and second recesses 22, 24 being shaped to accommodate the shape / cross section of the first and second pins 12, 14 respectively.

[0036] The first and second recesses 22, 24 of the quick coupler system may be defined by a quick coupler body 26. As will be appreciated from Figs. 1 and 2, the quick coupler body 26 may be defined by one or more coupler plates 27a, 27b. The coupler plates 27a, 27b may be spaced apart by one or more stiffening members 28. Various geometries for the quick coupler body 26 may be provided, depending on the nature of the work machine and the boom assembly to which the quick coupler system 20 is connected.

[0037] The quick coupler system 20 is configured to securely connect to the work tool 10 by locating the first and second pins 12, 14 in the respective first and second recesses 22, 24. A locking wedge 30 is provided to secure the first pin 12 in the first recess 22, by biasing the first pin 12 into the first recess 22.This in turn may bias the second pin 14 into the second recess 24 such that the work tool 10 can be secured using the locking wedge 30.

[0038] A controller, for example an Engine Control Unit of the work machine, or any other processor or microprocessor which receives the signal from the sensor 50, may be configured to determine when the locking wedge 30 has secured the first 12 pin of the work tool 10 in the first work tool pin recess 22 based on the signal output by the sensor 50. As such, the controller (e.g. a processor, microprocessor, or Engine Control Unit), may take the signal from the sensor and process that information to determine the state of the locking system. As such, a controller according to this disclosure may only be configured to control or process the signal from the sensor 50, for example to control some part of the work machine display, audio alarm or some form of annunciator. As such, in some embodiments, the controller may be provided separately to any controller which controls the actuators of the quick coupler system 20. Of course, in other embodiments, the functionality of the controller according to this disclosure may be integrated into a larger control system of the work machine, for example the engine control unit which may control various systems of the work machine. A method of connecting the work tool 10 to the quick coupler system 20 is further described below.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a section view of the quick coupler system 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the quick coupler system 20 comprises a first work tool pin recess 22 configured to receive a first pin 12 of the work tool 10. The quick coupler system 20 also comprises a locking wedge 30, an actuator 40, a sensor 50 (not shown in Fig. 3) and a controller (not shown). Fig. 3 shows the quick coupler system 20 in an open position with the first and second pins 12, 14 of the work tool located in the first and second recesses 22, 24 respectively. The work tool 10 may be positioned in such a position as part of a process of connecting the work tool 10 to the quick coupler system 20.

[0040] As will be appreciated from Figs. 3, 4, and 5, the locking wedge 30 is configured to slide relative to the first work tool pin recess 22 in order to secure the first pin 12 of the work tool 10 in the first work tool pin recess 22. By securing the first pin 12 of the work tool 10 with the locking wedge 30 in the first recess 22, the second pin 14 of the work tool may be biased against the secondrecess 24 such that the first and second pins 12, 14 are securely connected to the quick coupler system 20.

[0041] Fig. 6 shows an isometric diagram of the locking wedge 30 and the actuator 40. As shown in Fig. 6, the locking wedge 30 comprises a wedge end 31. The actuator 40 is connected to the locking wedge 30 on the opposite side of the locking wedge 30 to the wedge end 31. As such, the actuator 40 may be configured to drive the wedge end of the locking wedge to close the first recess 22 and secure the first pin 12 when present. The wedge end 31 of the locking wedge 30 may be wedge shaped such that a thickness of the wedge end (in a direction normal to the sliding direction of the locking wedge 30) increases away from the wedge end. Thus, the wedge shape causes the first pin 12 to be biased into the first recess 22 as the locking wedge moves from the open position to the lock position (e.g. as shown in Figs. 3 and 4). The safety arm 60 (discussed below) may also help to bias the first pin 12 into the first recess 22 as the locking wedge is moved.

[0042] The actuator 40 may be configured to slide the locking wedge 30 between an open position (Fig. 3), a lock position (Fig. 4), and an overtravel position (Fig. 5). As shown in Figs 3-5, the actuator 40 may be a hydraulic actuator which is configured to slide the locking wedge between the open position, the lock position and the overtravel position. As shown in Fig. 4, the locking wedge 30 may bias the first pin 12 against the first recess 22 of the quick coupler system 20. In other embodiments, the actuator 40 may be an electricalmechanical actuator, for example for an electrical or hybrid work machine.

[0043] It will be appreciated that Figs. 3-5 shows one possible arrangement of first and second pins 12, 14 and first and second recesses 22, 24 for a quick coupler system 20. It will be appreciated that this disclosure is applicable to various different arrangements of pins 12, 14 and corresponding recesses 22, 24 which may be securely connected to each other using a locking wedge 30.

[0044] The sensor 50 may be configured to output a signal indicative of a position or configuration of the locking wedge 30. In the embodiment of Figs. 3-5, the sensor 50 may be a proximity sensor or a switch (not shown in Figs. 3-5). In some embodiments, the locking wedge 30 may include one or more positionindicators 32, 34, 36 which may be used to interact with the sensor 50 to indicate the position of the locking wedge 30. For example, Fig. 7 shows a plan view schematic diagram of a locking wedge 30 according to this disclosure. The locking wedge 30 includes an open position indicator 32, a locked position indicator 34 and an overtravel position indicator 36 which are each provided on a surface 31 of the locking wedge 30. As indicated in Figs. 7 and 8, the sensor 50 may be positioned proximate to the locking wedge 30. As the locking wedge slides between the open position and the overtravel position, the position indicators 32, 36 may interact with the sensor 50 to provide an indication of the position of the locking wedge 30.

[0045] For example in the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8, the sensor 50 may be a proximity sensor which is configured to detect the proximity of the surface of the locking wedge 30. The open position indicator 32 and the overtravel position indicator 36 may be provided as recesses (or raised bumps) in the surface of the locking wedge 30. When the locking wedge is in the open position, the open position indicator may be aligned with proximity sensor 50 such that the proximity sensor detects the absence of the surface 31 of the locking wedge 30. As such, the proximity sensor 50 provides a non-contact method of detecting a position of the locking wedge 30. The proximity sensor 50 may also detect the overtravel of the locking wedge using the overtravel position indicator 36, which may be aligned with the proximity sensor 50 when the locking wedge is in the overtravel position. The controller may distinguish between the overtravel position and the open position using a single sensor 50 may taking into account information regarding actuator 40. For example, if the controller determines that the actuator 40 has been retracted, the sensor 50 may be detecting the open position. Where the controller determines that the actuator 40 has been extended, then it follows that the sensor is detecting that the locking wedge is in the overtravel position.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 7, the open position indicator and the overtravel position indicator are aligned in the direction of travel of the locking wedge such that they can be detected by a single sensor 50. The locked position indicator 34 may be detected with the same sensor 50, or may be detected with a different sensor 50 (i.e. a plurality of sensors may be provided). In Fig. 7, a firstand second sensors 50 may be provided, offset from each other to detect different position indicators. As such, a first sensor 50 may detect the aligned open position indicator 32 and the overtravel position indicator 34 and a second sensor may detect the locked position indicator 34.

[0047] While the sensor 50 shown in Figs. 7 and 8 may be a proximity sensor, in other embodiments the sensor 50 may be a switch which is configured to engage with the position indicators 32, 34, 36 in order to determine the position of the locking wedge 30. In other embodiments, other types of sensor, for example an optical sensor and the like may be used to detect one or more position indicators of the locking wedge 30.

[0048] The controller may be configured to determine if the locking wedge 30 is in the open position, the lock position, or the overtravel position based on the signal output by the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 50 may only provide a positive indication that the locking wedge 30 is in the lock position. In such embodiments, the sensor 50 may provide a positive indication to the controller that the quick coupler system 20 has successfully connected to the work tool 10. Where the connection is not secure, for example as shown in Fig. 5, the locking wedge 30 may overtravel the lock position. Alternatively, the locking wedge 30 may not reach the lock position due to an obstruction (e.g. the first pin 12 being position incorrectly). In such cases, the absence of a signal from the sensor 50 may be indicative of an unsecure connection.

[0049] In some embodiments, the controller may detect that locking wedge is in the overtravel position based on a signal indicative of a movement of the actuator and the signal output by the senor. That is to say, as the locking wedge 30 slides to the locking position, the controller receives a corresponding signal from the sensor 50. As the locking wedge 30 travels beyond the lock position, the signal from the senor 50 may become absent. The controller may detect that the actuator is still moving and determine that the locking wedge is moving to the overtravel position. Alternatively, the controller may determine from a brief receipt of a signal indicative of the lock position that the actuator has moved the locking wedge 30 to an overtravel position.

[0050] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a more accurate determination of the position of the locking wedge 30. In suchembodiments, the sensor 50 may be a proportional sensor configured to output a signal which is proportional to a sliding position of the locking wedge. The locking wedge 30 may be provided with a proportional position indicator in order to interact with the proportional sensor. For example, for a proportional position sensor, a proportional position indicator may comprise a ramp which is formed on the surface of the locking wedge, wherein a slope of the range is aligned with the sliding direction of the locking wedge (i.e. the proportional position indicator may be wedge shaped). As such, the ramp of the proportional position indicator provides a variable change in height, relative to the surface of the locking wedge 30, which may be detected by the proportional proximity sensor. The proportional position indicator may be formed as a protrusion from the surface of the locking wedge, and / or as a recess formed in the locking wedge. In some embodiments, the proportional position indicator may protrude from the surface of the locking wedge at one end of the proportional position indicator, and may be recessed at the other end.

[0051] Depending on the nature of the sensor, or sensors, and the corresponding position indicators, the controller may be configured to determine whether the locking in wedge is in one or more of: the open position, the lock position and the overtravel position based on the signal(s) output by the sensor(s).

[0052] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine a wear parameter of the quick coupler system based on the signal output from the sensor and a signal indicative of a movement of the actuator obtained by the controller. For example, under normal operation the position information from a proportional sensor may be indicate when the locking wedge 30 is in the lock position. Over time, the exact position of the locking wedge when in the lock position may drift due to wear of one or more components of the quick coupler system and / or the work tool 10. The controller may determine a deviation in the position information indicative of the lock position and determine a wear parameter based on the deviation. For example, the controller may determine when the deviation in the lock position exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. + / - %5 error in the lock position) at change a wear parameter to indicate that part of the quick coupler system 20 may be excessively worn.Alternatively, the wear parameter may be a numerical value which provides an indication of the amount of wear proportional to the deviation, thereby allowing a machine operator to track the evolution of system wear and schedule maintenance accordingly.

[0053] In some embodiments, the controller may utilise the position information to determine when the quick coupler system is operating in the intended manner. For example, the controller may determine that the locking wedge has secured the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess based on the position information and then output a signal to the work machine indicative that the pin of the work tool is secured in the work tool pin recess. The signal may in turn prompt the work machine to provide a visual indicator or audible indication to an operator of the work machine that the quick coupler system 20 has secured the work tool 10.

[0054] In some embodiments, the controller may also be configured to output a signal to the work machine indicative of an uncoupled state when the controller determines that the locking wedge is in the open position and / or in the overtravel position. As such, the controller may allow the work machine 1 to fully inform an operator of the operational state of the quick coupler system 20, thereby allowing for improved safety when operating the quick coupler system 20.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 3-5, in some embodiments the quick coupler system 20 may also comprise a retention arm (safety arm) 60. The retention arm 60 (or safety arm 60), may be configured to locate the first pin 12 of the work tool 10 in the first recess 22, wherein the retention arm 60 is resiliently biased to hold the first pin 12 in the first recess 22. As shown in Figs. 3-5, the retention arm 60 may be configured to co-operate with the locking wedge 30 to secure the first pin 12 in the first recess 22. Another example of a retention arm 60 (safety arm) is shown in the embodiment of Figs. 9-12 discussed in further detail below.

[0056] The retention arm 60 may be connected to the locking wedge, such that the safety arm and the locking wedge 30 slide together under the motion of the actuator 40. As will be appreciated from Fig. 3, when the locking wedge 30 is in the open position, the retention arm 60 may be retracted from thefirst recess 22. As such, when the first pin 12 of the work tool 10 is absent from the first recess 22, the retention arm 60 may be configured to be in a first position.

[0057] In some embodiments, the locking wedge 30 may comprise the retention arm 60. The retention arm 60 may be connected to the locking wedge via a pivot 61. As such the retention arm 60 may be pivotably connected to the locking wedge 30. As will be appreciated from Figs. 3-5, the retention arm 60 may be configured to rotate about the pivot from a first position to a second position, as will be described in further detail below.

[0058] As the locking wedge 30 is moved to the lock position, as shown in Fig. 4, the retention arm 60 may be pushed away from the locking wedge 30 by the presence of the first pin 12. A spring element 62 may resiliently bias the retention arm 60 towards the locking wedge 30 such that the retention arm 60 helps to maintain the first pin 12 in the first recess 22 as the quick coupler system 20 moves to secure the work tool 10. Thus, when the first pin 12 of the work tool 10 is located in the first recess 22 and secured by the locking wedge 30, the first pin 12 may displace the retention arm 60 as the locking wedge 30 moves to secure the first pin 12. In some embodiments, when the locking wedge 30 is in the lock position, the first pin 12 may displace the retention arm 60 to a second position. In other embodiments, the retention arm 60 may be shaped such that as the locking wedge 60 approaches the lock position, the retention arm 60 returns to the first position. As such, in some embodiments, the retention arm 60 may not be displaced by the first pin 12 when the first pin 12 is retained in the first recess 22 by the locking wedge 30. In either case, the resilient biasing of the retention arm 60 resists the retraction of the locking wedge 30 from the lock position (e.g. in the event that hydraulic pressure is lost for the actuator 40. In some embodiments, a resting position (i.e. the first position) of the retention arm 60 may not make direct contact with the first pin 12 when the first pin is retained in the first recess 22. As such, the first pin 12 may be secured in the first recess 22 by the cooperation of the locking wedge 30 and the first recess 22, with the retention arm 60 providing an additional fail-safe means for retaining the first pin 12.As shown in Figs. 3-5, and also in Figs. 9-12, the retention arm 60 may be a generally curved, concave, or hooked member. The retention arm 60 may be shaped in such a manner such that it may define a region between the retention arm and the locking wedge 30 which may accommodate and retain the first pin 12. That is to say, when the first pin 12 is retained in the region between the retaining arm 60 and the locking wedge 30, the first pin 12 is not able to be removed from the region without displacing the retaining arm. As the retention arm 60 may be resiliently biased towards the locking wedge 30, the spring element 62 may resist the first pin being removed from between the retention arm 60 and the locking wedge. Thus, in the event that e.g. hydraulic pressure is lost from the actuator 40 for the locking wedge 30, the retention arm 60 and spring element 62 may resist the movement of the locking wedge 30 from the lock position to e.g. the open position. As such, the retention arm 60 may reduce or prevent inadvertent decoupling of the first pin 12 from the first recess 22.

[0059] It will be appreciated that in normal use, when decoupling of the first pin 12 from the first recess 22 is intended, the actuator 40 may provide sufficient force to overcome the spring force provided by spring element 62 and allow the retention arm 60 to be displaced. Thus, the actuator 40 may be configured to retract the locking wedge 30 from the lock position to the open position, thereby allowing the first pin 12 to be decoupled from the first recess 22.

[0060] In some embodiments, the quick coupler system 20 may infer the location of the first pin based on a location or configuration of the retention arm 60. For example, the sensor 50 may be configured to sense if the retention arm 60 is in the second position in order to output a signal indicative of a location of the locking wedge 30. As such, in some embodiments, the configuration of the locking wedge 30 which may be sensed by the sensor 50 may be a position of the retention arm 60 or a position of the first pin 12 relative to the retention arm 60. For example, the sensor may be configured to sense a rotational position of the retention arm 60 in order to infer if the retention arm is in the first or second position.In some embodiments, the sensor 50 may be a proximity sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a proximity of the first pin 12. For example, Figs. 9-12 show a quick coupler system 20 according to an embodiment of the disclosure comprising a retention arm 60. Similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1-5, the quick coupler system may comprise a quick coupler body 26 may be defined by one or more coupler plates 27b.

[0061] In the embodiment of Figs. 9-12, the quick coupler system comprises a proximity sensor 50a which may be configured to output a signal indicative of a proximity of the first pin 12. For example, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the retention arm 60 may comprise the proximity sensor 50a. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 50a may be configured to detect when the locking wedge 30 is in the lock position and the retention arm 60 is in the second position of the retention arm 60. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 50a may be configured to detect the presence of the first pin 12 in the first recess 22 when the locking wedge 30 is in the lock position. For example, in embodiments where the retention arm 60 returns to the first position when the first pin 12 is secured by the locking wedge 30, the proximity sensor may output a signal indicative of whether or not the first pin 12 is retained in the first recess.

[0062] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 50a may be positioned within the retention arm 50a, or proximal or adjacent to the retention arm 60, to detect when the first pin 12 is located in the first recess 22.

[0063] Accordingly, the proximity sensor 50a may provide positive feedback that the retention arm 60 is correctly engaged with the first pin 12. As such, when the locking wedge 30 is disposed towards the lock position to engage with the first pin 12, a successful coupling may be indicated by signal generated by the proximity sensor 50a of the retention arm 60. Where the proximity sensor 50a indicates the first pin 12 is present in the first recess 22, the controller may determine that the locking wedge 30 has secured the first pin 12 in the first recess 22.

[0064] In the event that coupling is unsuccessful, for example due to the first pin 12 not correctly engaging with the retention arm 60, the locking wedge 30 may move to the overtravel position without the first pin 12 being present. In such circumstances, the proximity sensor 50a may indicate that the first pin 12 isnot present. As such, the proximity sensor 50a may be used to detect an unsuccessful coupling. Preferably, the proximity sensor may directly detect the presence of the first pin 12 in the first recess 22. In other embodiments, a sensor 50 may be provided to detect the position of the first pin 12 based on a movement or position of the retention arm 60. Where the controller determines that the actuator 40 has been operated, but the proximity sensor 50a does not detect the presence of the first pin 12, the controller may determine that the locking wedge 30 may be in the overtravel position, or that coupling of the work tool 10 has been unsuccessful.

[0065] As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the proximity sensor 50a may be provided as part of the retention arm 60. The proximity sensor 50a may comprise a sensing surface 52 which may be configured to detect an object (e.g. the first pin 12) which is either in contact with, or in close proximity to the sensing surface 52. As such, the proximity sensor 50a may detect the presence of the first pin 12 even if the retention arm 50a does not make direct contact with the first pin 12 when the locking wedge is in the lock position. The sensing surface 52 of the proximity sensor 50a may be aligned with or located within an engagement surface 64 of the retention arm 60 which engages with the first pin 12 to resiliently bias the first pin 12 towards the locking wedge 30. So, the proximity sensor 50a may detect the presence, or absence of the first pin 12, relative to the sensing surface 64 in order to infer whether or not the first pin 12 is located in the recess as the locking wedge 30 is moved to the lock position from the open position.

[0066] In embodiments, a plurality of sensors may be provided. For example, sensors 50, 50a may be provided to sense the position(s) of the locking wedge 30 and the retention arm 60 in order to provide redundancy in the system.

[0067] Thus, according to this disclosure, a quick coupler system 20 for a work vehicle is provided.

[0068] Industrial Applicability

[0069] According to this disclosure, a quick coupler system 20 is provided which allows a work tool 10 to be connected to a work machine in anautomatic manner (i.e. without requiring an operator to manually connect / disconnect the work tool from the work machine). The quick coupler system 20 includes a sensor 50 which is configured to output a signal indicative of a position or configuration of the locking wedge 30. Such a system allows for the operational state of the quick coupler system 20 to be determined directly, rather than inferred from a position of an actuator 40 of the quick coupler system 20. By directly detecting the position or configuration of the locking system along with contextual information of the quick coupler system 20, such as electronic control command inputs by the machine operator, the quick coupler system 20 of this disclosure may definitively determine whether the quick coupler system 20 is securely connected to the work tool 10. Typically, an operator commanding a state change of the locking wedge 30 of the quick coupler system 20 represents a relatively high risk process, and so the quick coupler system of this disclosure allows the state change to be performed with improved safety.

[0070] In addition, during steady state operation, the controller may also continue to monitor the position or configuration of the locking wedge 30. In the event that the controller determines a change of state of the locking wedge 30, the controller may alert the operator of a potentially dangerous condition, whereby the state of the sensor 50 has changed without there being a command from the operator to request this. This could be a result of a failure of the attachment, the hydraulic system of the machine, or failure of the quick coupler system, and provide a pre-emptive warning to the machine operator, allowing them to safely secure the attachment and shut down the machine, preventing inadvertent release of the attachment.

Claims

Claims1. A quick coupler system configured to attach a work tool to a work machine, the quick coupler system comprising:a work tool pin recess configured to receive a pin of a work tool a locking wedge, wherein the locking wedge is configured to slide relative to the work tool pin recess in order to secure the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess;an actuator configured to slide the locking wedge;a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a configuration of the locking wedge; anda controller configured to determine when the locking wedge has secured the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess based on the signal output by the sensor.

2. A quick coupler system according to claim 1 , further comprisinga retention arm configured to locate the pin of the work tool in the work tool recess, wherein the retention arm is resiliently biased to hold the pin in the work tool recess.

3. A quick coupler system according to claim 2, wherein the retention arm is pivotably connected to the locking wedge.

4. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 2 to 3, whereinwhen the pin of the work tool is absent from the work tool recess, the retention arm is configured to be in a first position, andwhen the pin of the work tool is located in the work tool recess and secured by the locking wedge, the pin displaces the retention arm to a second position.

5. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 2 to 4, whereinwherein the signal indicative of a configuration of the locking wedge is a signal indicative of a position of the pin relative to the retention arm.

6. A quick coupler system according to claim 5, wherein the sensor is proximity sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a proximity of the pin.

7. A quick coupler system according to claim 5 or claim 6, whereinthe retention arm comprises the sensor.

8. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 1 to 7 whereinthe sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of a position of the locking wedge.

9. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 1 to 8, whereinthe locking wedge is configured to slide between:an open position in which the locking wedge is retracted from the work tool pin recess;a lock position in which the locking wedge secures a work tool pin in the work tool recess; andan overtravel position in which the locking wedge protrudes into the work tool recess without a work tool pin present,wherein optionally the controller is configured to determine if the locking wedge is in the open position, the lock position, or the overtravel position based on the signal output by the sensor.

10. A quick coupler system according to claim 9, wherein the sensor is a switch or a proximity sensor switch configured to detect whether the locking wedge is in the lock position.

11. A quick coupler system according to claim 10, wherein the locking wedge comprises a lock position indicator, wherein the lock position indicator interacts with the sensor when the locking wedge is in the lock position.

12. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 9 to 11, whereinthe controller is configured to detect if the locking wedge is in the overtravel position based on a signal indicative of a movement of the actuator and the signal output by the sensor.

13. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 8 to 12, whereinthe sensor is a proportional sensor configured to output a signal which is proportional to a sliding position of the locking wedge.

14. A quick coupler system according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the locking in wedge is in:an open position in which the locking wedge is retracted from the work tool pin recess,a lock position in which the locking wedge secures a work tool pin in the work tool recess, oran overtravel position in which the locking wedge protrudes into the work tool recess without a work tool pin present,based on the signal output from the proportional sensor.

15. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 8 to 14, whereinthe controller is configured to determine a wear parameter of the quick coupler system based on the signal output from the sensor and a signal indicative of a movement of the actuator obtained by the controller.

16. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 1 to 15, whereinwhen the controller determines that the locking wedge has secured the pin of the work tool in the work tool pin recess, the controller is configured to output a signal to the work machine indicative that the pin of the work tool is secured in the work tool pin recess.

17. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 9 to 16 when dependent on claim 9, whereinthe controller is configured to output a signal to the work machine indicative of an uncoupled state when the controller determines that the locking wedge is in the open position and / or in the overtravel position.

18. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 1 to 17, whereinthe actuator is a hydraulic actuator or an electrical-mechanical actuator.

19. A quick coupler system according to any of claims 1 to 18, whereina plurality of sensors are provided, the plurality of sensors configured to output a plurality of signals indicative of a configuration of the locking wedge and / or a position of the locking wedge.

20. A work machine comprising:a boom assembly and;a quick coupler system according to any of claims 1 to 19 connected to the boom assembly.

Images