Quick Coupler Hydraulic Locking With Highest-Pressure Valve Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change systems for construction machinery attachments lack sufficient safety mechanisms to ensure secure locking of attachments to the quick coupler.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change system with a hydraulic control unit that prioritizes the highest available pressure for the locking mechanism, utilizing a changeover valve arrangement and multiple control circuits to ensure the locking mechanism engages at the highest pressure, enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulic drive is used for the locking mechanism, then the locking speed and force are improved, but the reliability is worsened due to insufficient pressure prioritization
Solution Approach 1:
The changeover valve arrangement acts as an intermediary between the control circuits and the locking mechanism. It monitors pressure levels from different control circuits and automatically selects the highest pressure source to supply the locking mechanism, ensuring that the locking operation always receives sufficient pressure for reliable engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a simple mechanical pressure selection system with a hydraulic control system that uses changeover valves to automatically route the highest pressure to the locking mechanism. This substitution of mechanical selection with hydraulic control based on pressure sensing improves the reliability of pressure delivery to the locking elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control circuits are used to supply different functions, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The changeover valve arrangement serves multiple functions: it monitors pressure from different control circuits, automatically selects the highest pressure source, and routes it to the locking mechanism. This multi-functional component handles pressure management for the locking system without requiring separate pressure control mechanisms for each control circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressure selection and pressure routing functions into a single changeover valve arrangement that handles multiple control circuits. Instead of having separate pressure control systems for each function, the changeover valves consolidate pressure management, reducing the number of components needed while maintaining versatility
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
Ensures secure and reliable attachment locking by always engaging the locking mechanism at the highest available pressure, thereby increasing safety and reliability in attachment changes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking element, actuated by means of a hydraulic drive, for securing an attachment coupled to the quick coupler
Implementation Method 2
a changeover valve arrangement for supplying the hydraulic drive with the higher of the pressures acting in the first or the at least one further control circuit
Implementation Method 3
rotatable about a rotary axis by means of a hydraulic rotary drive
Implementation Method 4
pivotable about a pivot axis orthogonal to the rotary axis by means of a hydraulic swivel drive
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-change system for changing attachments on a construction machine, comprising a quick coupler arranged on a connecting part rotatable about a rotary axis by means of a hydraulic rotary drive (9) and pivotable about a pivot axis orthogonal to the rotary axis by means of a hydraulic swivel drive (12), which includes receptacles and at least one locking element actuated by means of a hydraulic drive (27) for holding an attachment (46) coupled to the quick coupler (1).The quick-change system is characterized by a hydraulic control device (44) which includes a first control circuit (47) for controlling the rotary drive (9) and the swivel drive (12), at least one further control circuit (61) for supplying the attachment (46) coupled to the quick coupler (1) and a changeover valve arrangement (64) for supplying the hydraulic drive (27) with the higher of the pressures acting in the first or the at least one further control circuit (47, 61) for actuating the at least one locking element (26).