Tiltrotator Hydraulic Switching for Gripper and Swivel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard excavators often have limited hydraulic connections, restricting the operational capabilities of tiltrotators, which require manual operation for functions like locking the quick coupler, limiting their application range without complex control modifications.
Innovation Solution
A tiltrotator with a mechanical switching device that allows the hydraulic gripper drive or slewing drive to be controlled using the existing hydraulic circuit, featuring a manually operable switching element to manage the hydraulic connections, enabling operation of additional gripper arrangements without complex modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tiltrotator is equipped with an additional gripper assembly to expand application range, then the versatility and application possibilities are improved, but the hydraulic system complexity increases because standard excavators with only five hydraulic connections cannot operate both the swivel drive and gripper drive simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanically switchable hydraulic connection system that dynamically reconfigures hydraulic circuit connections based on operational mode. The switching device with manually operable element allows the hydraulic connections to be dynamically assigned between controlling the gripper drive or the swivel drive, enabling the system to adapt its configuration according to the desired function without requiring a complex multi-circuit hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic switching device serves multiple functions: it enables standard excavators to operate both gripper assemblies and tiltrotators, allows switching between different operational modes (gripping vs. rotating/swiveling), and maintains compatibility with existing five-connection hydraulic systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated hydraulic circuits for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hydraulic circuit is modified to support additional functions like gripper drive, then the operational capabilities are improved, but the control system complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanically switchable hydraulic connection device acts as an intermediary between the existing hydraulic circuit and the additional functions (gripper drive or swivel drive). This switching mechanism mediates the hydraulic flow distribution, allowing the standard five-connection hydraulic system to control multiple functions sequentially without requiring modifications to the base hydraulic circuit or control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is designed to be manually operated from the driver's cab, allowing the operator to self-switch between operational modes (gripper mode or swivel mode) based on task requirements. The system serves itself by providing clear visual indication of the current mode through the position of the switching element, eliminating the need for complex electronic controls or additional operator training.
3Device complexity
If manual operation of the quick coupler is used on standard excavators, then the hydraulic system remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because locking and releasing must be performed manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic control capability with the manually operated quick coupler system. By integrating the switching device into the existing manual quick coupler framework, the system merges hydraulic actuation (for gripping or swiveling) with manual operation (for mode selection and quick coupling), allowing standard excavators to benefit from hydraulic power assistance without requiring a completely automated complex control system.
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
Enables expanded application possibilities for tiltrotators on standard excavators by allowing the tiltrotator to be operated with an additional gripper arrangement using the standard two double-acting hydraulic circuits, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic rotary drive (4), by means of which the quick coupler (3) can be rotated by 360° about a rotation axis (5)
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pivot drive (6), by means of which the quick coupler (3) can be pivoted about a pivot axis (7) orthogonal to the rotation axis (5)
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical switching device (42), via which either a hydraulic grapple drive of the gripper assembly (26) or the swivel drive (6) can be controlled via the hydraulic circuit connected to the mechanical switching device (42)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tiltrotator (1) for mounting on a construction machine, comprising a quick coupler (3; 57) arranged on a connection part (2) rotatable about a rotary axis (5) by means of a hydraulic rotary drive (4) and pivotable about a pivot axis (7) orthogonal to the rotary axis (5) by means of a hydraulic swivel drive (6) for coupling a tool or attachment, and a hydraulic circuit arrangement (34; 55) for controlling the tiltrotator (1) via two hydraulic circuits (H1, H2). According to the invention, a hydraulically actuated gripper assembly (26) is arranged on the quick coupler (3; 57) and the tiltrotator (1) contains a mechanical switching device (42) via which either a hydraulic gripper drive (31, 32) of the gripper assembly (26) or the swivel drive (6) can be controlled by the hydraulic circuit (H2) connected to the mechanical switching device (42).