Quick Change Pivot Motor Hydraulic Line Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupler pivot motor combinations for earth construction machines face issues with service life, response time, and energy efficiency due to torsional loads on shaft ends and exposure of hydraulic lines to damage, leading to potential safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a single-acting linear actuator with a mechanical spring arrangement and reduced fluid lines, where only one rotary guide is provided at each shaft end to distribute torsional loads evenly, and the use of a double-acting linear actuator with fluid lines distributed across both shaft ends for better load distribution and reduced structural effort, along with internal fluid channel guides to protect hydraulic lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fluid lines are provided at shaft ends for hydraulic supply to quick coupler pressure chambers, then reliable hydraulic operation is ensured, but torsional loads on shaft ends increase and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydraulic supply system by providing fluid lines at different locations - specifically at the rear shaft end and at the front shaft end - rather than concentrating multiple lines at a single shaft end. This segmentation distributes the torsional loads across different shaft locations, reducing the stress concentration at any single point while maintaining reliable hydraulic supply to both pressure chambers.
2Ease of manufacture
If hydraulic lines are routed externally from pivot motor to quick coupler, then installation flexibility is improved, but exposure to damage increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by routing the hydraulic fluid lines through the internal structure of the pivot motor - specifically through the motor shaft and motor housing - rather than externally. The lines are nested within the existing mechanical components, which protects them from external damage while maintaining the hydraulic connection between the pivot motor and quick coupler.
3Device complexity
If torsional loads are concentrated on shaft ends, then compact structure is achieved, but torque losses increase and response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the hydraulic connections across different spatial dimensions - specifically utilizing both the rear shaft end and front shaft end locations - rather than concentrating all connections at a single point. This dimensional distribution of connections reduces torsional loads while maintaining structural compactness, as the load paths are spread across the shaft length rather than concentrated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the service life and response time of the pivot motor by reducing torsional loads and torque losses, while also protecting hydraulic lines from damage, ensuring reliable operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical spring arrangement (401) which acts to return the quick coupler (63) into its initial position
Implementation Method 2
a piston (190) arranged inside for alternating linear motion between the rear (191a) and front housing end (191b)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick coupler-swivel motor combination for attaching and detaching attachments (22) to and from a dipper arm (8) of an earthmoving machine, wherein the coupled attachment (22) can be swivelled laterally relative to a forward rotation plane of the dipper arm (8), wherein the forward rotation plane, when the attachment (22) is coupled and not swivelled, corresponds to a pivot axis plane extending vertically through the quick coupler-swivel motor combination, comprising: a swivel motor (23) and a quick coupler (63) suspended below the swivel motor (23), hydraulically actuated and laterally swivelled by means of the swivel motor (23).The invention provides a number of fluid lines corresponding to the number of pressure chambers (103a, 104a) of the quick coupler (63), which connect the number of pressure chambers (103a, 104a) to a corresponding number of hydraulic inlets (173b, 173c) on a top side of the motor housing (24) for connection to a hydraulic supply of the earthmoving machine. The invention is characterized in that each fluid line has at most one of a number of rotary unions (47, 48a, 48b, 70, 71a, 71b) at a front sliding bearing (36) of a motor shaft (32) in a motor housing (24) of the slewing motor (23) and at a rear sliding bearing (69) of the motor shaft (32) in the motor housing (24) of the slewing motor (23).