Patent Application
20240240428
This patent disclosure relates generally to couplers for coupling a work tool to the implement arm of a work machine and, more particularly, to an adapter bracket for accommodating work tools having different pin diameters and pin spans and spreads.
Various types of work machines in the construction, mining, and agricultural fields such as, for example, excavators may include an elongated and power drive implement arm that can be configured to articulate and that can be coupled at its distal end to a work tool. The implement arm can be articulated to spatially move the work tool in order conduct an operation. For example, the work tool may be a bucket that is maneuvered by the implement arm to conduct a digging or excavating operation.
It is often desirable for the same work machine to change between different work tools to conduct different tasks. For example, buckets of different dimensions, sizes, and configurations may be desired depending upon the operation and the material being excavated. Different types of work tools may also be desired for different operations such as rippers, augers, pneumatic and hydraulic hammers, vibratory compactors, etc. Accordingly, the work machines and the work tools are often configured for exchangeability by enabling the two devices to couple and decouple with respect to each other.
A conventional design for enabling the coupling and decoupling of a work tool from a machine is a pin grabber coupler. Two parallel but spaced apart linkage pins are retained in a bracket structure centrally located on the rear or top of the work tool. A corresponding coupler or pin grabber may be attached at the distal end of the implement arm and may include a forward latching mechanism and a rearward latching mechanism that are spaced apart to correspond with the span of the linkage pins. When the pin grabber is moved proximate to the pin bracket, the forward and rearward latching mechanism can be actuated, for example, hydraulically to lock the implement arm to the work tool. Conversely, when it is desired to release the work tool, the forward and rearward latching mechanisms can be de-actuated releasing the linkage pins.
A difficulty that arises with pin grabber couplers is that the pin diameter and the pin spans, which refers to the center-to-center distance between the two linkage pins, may vary between work tools and especially between different manufacturers of work tools. Therefore, it may be necessary to use adapters and the like to enable the coupling between different work tools and the corresponding interfaces on the implement arms. The present disclosure is directed to an adapter bracket configured to accommodate work tools having different pin diameters and different pin spans.
The disclosure describes, in one aspect, an adapter bracket for coupling an implement arm of a work machine and a work tool via a connecting interface with first and second parallel and spaced-apart linkage pins. The adapter bracket includes an adapter body having an arm interface for connection to the implement arm and a tool interface for releasable connection to the work tool. The tool interface further has at least one first pin opening and at least one second pin opening for receiving the first and second linkage pins.
In another aspect, there is disclosed a coupler system for coupling an implement arm of a work machine and a work tool. The work tool can have a connection interface including a first linkage pin and a second linkage pin in a parallel, spaced apart arrangement. To couple to the connection interface, the adapter bracket can include an adapter body having a tool interface and an arm interface for connection to the implement arm. To securely receive the first linkage pin and the second linkage pin, the tool interface can also have a first pin opening and a second pin opening in which the linkage pins are received.
In a further aspect, the disclosure describes an adapter bracket for coupling an implement arm of a work machine and a work tool. To connect with the implement arm, the adapter bracket includes an upper arm interface having a first upper sidewall and a second upper sidewall in a spaced apart relation with arm hooks. To releasable connect to the connection interface on the work tool that may have first and second linkage pins in a parallel, spaced apart relation, the adapter bracket also includes a lower tool interface having a first lower sidewall and a second lower sidewall in a spaced apart relation and parallel to the first upper sidewall and the second upper sidewall. The lower tool interface includes a first pin opening configured as a multi-radii pin opening and a second pin opening configured as a span channel having a channel length dimensionally greater than a channel height.
Now referring to the figures, wherein whenever possible like reference numbers refer to like elements, there is illustrated an adapter bracket 100 that can operatively couple a work tool 102 to the distal end of an implement arm 104 of a work machine in accordance with the disclosure. A work machine of the present embodiment may be an excavator or another type of construction or material handling equipment used to conduct operations such as digging, planning, drilling, material removal and replacement, lifting, hauling, demolition, and the like in the construction, mining, agriculture, landscaping, or similar fields. The work machine may be a mobile work machine and may include an undercarriage supported on continuous tracks or wheels for mobile propulsion about a work site. In other embodiments, the work machine may be stationary in a fixed location, such as a crane. In the illustrated embodiment, the work tool 102 is a bucket which is a rigid structure defining an opened inner volume 106 that can receive and contain material during a digging or material transfer operation. The bucket may include a leading cutting edge 108 with a plurality of protruding teeth in a straight-line arrangement to penetrate into the material of the operation. Other examples of work tools in accordance with the disclosure include rippers, augers, drills, pneumatic or hydraulic hammers, vibratory compactors and the like.
To spatially move the work tool 102 through a range of motion during an operation, the implement arm 104 can be a mechanical linkage having a plurality of rigid links pivotally joined by a plurality of resolute joints that allow for relative rotation of two joined links. To power articulation of the joints and relative rotation of the links, the implement arm 104 can be operatively associated with one or more hydraulic actuators that can telescopically extend and retract a piston rod from a cylinder barrel. The piston rod is fixed at one end to a first of the links and the cylinder barrel to a second link such that extension and retraction of the hydraulic actuator causes pivotal articulation of the joined links and motion of the implement arm 104.
To connect the work tool 102 to the distal end of the implement arm 104, the work tool can be configured with a connection interface 110 that is a structure formed on the rear or top of the body of the work tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 110 can be pin bracket including a first and a second spaced apart bracket flanges 112. Two pairs of aligned pin holes 114 can be disposed through the bracket flanges 112 and can slidably receive a respective first linkage pin 116 and a second linkage pin 118. The linkage pins 116, 118 are cylindrical rods with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the pin holes 114 and that are supported at either end by the spaced apart bracket flanges 112. The first and second linkage pins 116, 118 are therefore constrained in a parallel and spaced apart arrangement with the first linkage pin 116 located forward of the second linkage pin 118. The mid-length extension of the first and second linkage pins 116, 118 that spans between the spaced apart bracket flanges 112 holding and supporting the distal ends of the linkage pins is generally exposed and can be accessed by a coupler such as a pin grabber that can latch to the first and second linkage pins 116, 118 with forward and rearward latching mechanisms as described above. While the illustrated work tool 102 includes a connection interface 110 in the embodiment of a pin bracket, the work tool 102 may also have other connection interfaces with different structures and different latching arrangements.
The adapter bracket 100 can be configured to enable the implement arm 104 to connectively couple with the different dimensional arrangements of the connection interface 110 on the work tool 102 and thereby enable the implement arm to attach to different work tools including those from different manufacturers. For example, the first and second linkage pins 116, 118 may have different diameters and/or the center-to-center distances between the parallel and spaced apart first and second linkage pins 116, 118, referred to herein as there pin span. Accordingly, the adapter bracket 100 is operatively situated intermediately between the work tool 102 and the implement arm 104 and can establish a separate and independent mechanical connection with each element. The adapter bracket 100 can statically secure the work tool 102 to the implement arm 104 while conducting operations like digging and lifting.
Referring to
In the illustrated example, the arm interface 122 can include a first upper sidewall 130 and a second upper sidewall 132 that are parallel to and spaced apart from each other. For rigidity and support, the arm interface 122 may also include a bracing plate 134 that extends between and is joined with the first and second upper sidewalls 130, 132 and which is normal or perpendicular to the adapter plate 124. The first and second upper sidewalls 130, 132 are flat planar plates and may have a shape or contour to facilitate connection to the implement arm. For example, the first and second upper sidewalls 130, 132 may each include a forward arm hook 136 and a rearward arm hook 138. The forward arm hooks 136 of the first and second upper sidewalls 130 are aligned with each other in the spaced apart arrangement and the rear arm hooks 138 of the first and second upper sidewalls 130, 132 are likewise aligned with each other in the spaced apart arrangement. The forward and rearward arm hooks 136, 138 can be arranged and shaped to hook onto and securely engage with protruding knobs or lug bosses located on the implement arm. The distal end of the implement arm can be inserted and secured between the first and second upper sidewalls 130, 132 by the forward and rearward arm hooks 136, 138. In other embodiments of the adapter bracket 100, the arm interface 122 may have a different structure and connection mechanism that may be used to attach the adapter bracket 100 to the implement arm.
To operatively interact with the connection interface of the work tool, the lower tool interface 120 protrudes below the adapter plate 124 and can include at least a first or forward pin opening 140 and a second or rearward pin opening 142 that are dimensioned and arranged to recievably engage with the first and second linkage pins described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward pin opening 140 and the rearward pin opening 142 can be disposed and defined in a first lower sidewall 144 and a parallel, spaced apart second lower sidewall 146. The first lower sidewall 144 and the second lower sidewall 146 can be formed as flat, planar plates like the first and second upper sidewalls 130, 132 and may be aligned in parallel with the first and second upper sidewalls 130, 132. The first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 can be generally rectangular in shape and can have a dimensional thickness selected to impart structural strength to support the linkage pins within the first and second pin openings 140, 142. Because of the inclusion of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146, the tool interface 120 consequentially includes a pair of axially aligned forward pin openings 140 and a pair of aligned rearward pin openings 142 that are spaced apart from each other by the relative spatial distance between the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146. In other embodiments, the tool interface 120 can be configured as a single, integral block depending from the adapter plate 124 such that the tool interface 120 only includes a single forward pin opening 140 and a single rearward pin opening 142.
The forward and the rearward pin openings 140, 142 can be generally circular in shape and can have a pin opening diameter 150 dimensioned to form a sliding fit with the respective first and second linkage pins on connection interface of the work tool. In particular, the pin opening diameter 150 and the shape of the forward and rearward pin openings 140, 142 are circumferentially defined by the surrounding material of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146. The spaced apart arrangement of the pair of forward pin openings 140 and the pair of rearward pin openings 142 enable the linkage pins to be securely engaged toward their pin ends with the intermediate length of the linkage pins extending between the spaced apart first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146. To accommodate the pin span between the first and second linkage pins, the forward and rearward pin openings 140, 142 may be spaced apart from each other by a span distance 152. The span distance 152 may be the dimensional distance between the center of the forward pin openings 140 and the rearward pin openings 142 as disposed in and defined by the dimensional length of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146. The span distance 152 can be selectively configured to dimensionally correspond with the pin span of the linkage pins.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 can include a downward clearance cutout 154 that is disposed into the rectangular shape of the lower sidewalls 144, 146 from the lower edges thereof. The clearance cutout 154 may be curved in shape and can generally arch between the forward pin openings 140 and the rearward pin openings 142. The curved clearance cutout 154 provides the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 with a profile or contour that enables the lower sides to interact with corresponding additional structures that may be included on the work tool. For example, in an embodiment, the connection interface of the work tool may include gussets or torsion bars as additional structures to add strength and rigidity thereto and the downward curved clearance cutouts 154 may enable the first and second lower sidewalls to operatively clear and avoid such obstructions.
The first embodiment of the adapter bracket 100 described in connection with
Referring to
The forward pin openings 160 can be generally circular in shape and can have a pin opening diameter 164 that dimensionally corresponds with the diameter of the linkage pins. To accommodate variability in pin spans, the rearward pin openings 162 in contrast can each be shaped as an elongated span channel 166 that extends between opposing first and second channel ends 168. The span channel 166 can have slot-like configuration that is disposed through the material of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 and can have a first dimension, for example, a channel height 170 and a second dimension, for example, a channel length 172 that is greater than the height 170. The channel height 170 may generally correspond in dimension to the diameter of the linkage pins so that, when engaged, the linkage pins are vertically constrained within the span channels 166. The channel ends 168 of the span channels 166 can also be rounded so that the linkage pins can seatingly abut with the channel ends 168 when moved proximate thereto.
The channel length 172, being greater than the diameter of the linkage pins, allows for the linkage pins to be positioned at different locations within the span channels 166. The linkage pins can freely slide within the channel length 172 defined by the span channel 166. Because the span channels 166 can accommodate the linkage pins at different locations along the channel length 172, the tool interface 120 of the present embodiment can connectively engage with work tools having connection interfaces with differing and varying pin spans. The span distance 174 of the present embodiment of the adapter bracket 100 is a variable span distance because of the span channels 166, in contrast to the generally fixed span distance 152 illustrated with respect to
The second embodiment of the adapter bracket 100 described in connection with
Referring to
Referring to
The third embodiment of the adapter bracket 100 described in connection with
Referring to
To secure the linkage pins within the respective forward and rearward pin openings 190, 192, the forward and rearward pin openings may each be operatively associated with a pin clamp 194. The pin clamps 194 are separate, individual components that may be shaped as a generally rectangular block of steel or a similar rigid material. In an embodiment, the independent pin clamps 194 can be releasably attached to the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 with a plurality of threaded fasteners 196 such as threaded bolts. Disposed into a peripheral edge of pin clamp 194 can be a pin seat 198 that can have a generally semi-circular shape and can be dimensioned to correspond to the pin diameter of the linkage pin. The cylindrical linkage pins can therefore abut partially within the pin seats 198 when engaged. The semi-circular pin seats 198 provide the pin clamps 194 with a generally U-shaped profile.
To releasably attach the pin clamp 194 to the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 of the tool interface 120, the forward pin opening 190 can be associated with a first clamp block 200 and the rearward pin opening 192 can be associated with a second clamp block 202. The first clamp block 200 can be located toward or proximate to the rearward circumferential edges of the forward pin opening 190 and, like the pin clamps 194, can have a generally rectangular outline. To have the same profile as the forward pin openings 190 with which it is associated, the first clamp block 200 can also have a pin seat 204 disposed therein that dimensionally corresponds to the pin diameter of the linkage pins. The second pin block 202 can be located toward or proximate to the upper edge of the rearward pin openings 192 that may be formed as span channels. The second clamp blocks 202 can have a rectangular shape and can be generally coextensive in length with the span channels forming the pin openings. Because of the oblong shape of the span channels, the second clamp blocks 202 may not include the semi-circular pin seats 204 associated with the first pin blocks 200.
In use, a linkage pin may be slidably inserted through the axially aligned pair of forward pin openings 190, a clearance for which is provided by the semi-circular pin seat 204 of the first clamp block 200 in which the cylindrical exterior shape of the linkage pin is partially accommodated. The pin clamp 194 is arranged so that the pin seat 198 seats around and abuts the remaining exterior surface of the cylindrical linkage pin and the distal edges of the pin clamp 194 extend around and abut the first clamp block 200. First and second threaded fasteners 196 are inserted through corresponding fastener holes disposed in the pin clamp 194 and threadably engaged into corresponding threaded holes disposed in the first clamp block 200. A linkage pin is likewise inserted through the aligned rearward pin openings 192 and thus adjacent to the upwardly located second clamp block 202. The pin clamp 194 is arranged so that the pin seat 198 seats around and abuts the cylindrical exterior of the linkage pin and threaded fasteners 196 are similarly inserted through fastener holes in the pin clamp 194 and threaded holes in the second pin block 202. The threaded fasteners 196 can be tightened to securely engage the linkage pins along multiple points of contact between the pin clamps 194 associated with the first clamp block 200 and the pin clamps 194 associated with the second clamp block 202.
In an embodiment, the first lower sidewall 144 and the second lower sidewall 146 can each have an exterior face 206 and an interior face 208. The exterior faces 206 of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 can be oppositely oriented with respect to each other toward the lateral outward sides of the adapter bracket 100. The interior faces 208 of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 can be facing opposed to each other and spaced apart by the distance between the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second clamp blocks 200, 202 can be located on the interior faces 208 of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 and can be integrally formed thereon. In another embodiment, the first and second clamp blocks 200, 202 be located on the exterior faces 206 of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 such that the pin clamps would be adjacent to the exterior faces 206 when attached to the respective first and second clamp blocks 200, 202. Accordingly, when connected, the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 may be disposed within or between the connection interface on the work tool or may be exteriorly adjacent to the connection interface.
Referring to
To enable the forward and rearward pin openings 210, 212 to receive the linkage pins, the forward and rearward pin openings 210, 212 can have an opened jaw configuration. For example, each forward and rearward pin 210, 212 includes bifurcated openings or respective first and second open jaws 220, 222 that are disposed through the material of the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 and that creates a passage through a peripheral edge of lower sidewalls. The first open jaw 220 associated with the forward pin opening 210 can be forward open jaw that is generally directed or extends forwardly with respect to the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 and the second open jaw 222 associated with the rearward pin opening 212 can be a downward open jaw that is generally directed or extends downwardly through the first and second sidewalls 144, 146.
In use, the pin clamps 214 that are associated with the forward and rearward pin openings 210, 212 can be detached from the respective clamp blocks 218 on the first and second lower sidewalls 144, 146 so that the first and second open jaws 220, 222 are unobstructed. The gap or space presented by the first and second open jaws 220, 222 can have any suitable dimensions but should be as wide as the diameter of the linkage pins. The linkage pins can be inserted into the forward and rearward pin openings 210, 212 through the gaps or spaces provided by first and second open jaws 220, 222. The pin clamps 214 can be reattached to the clamp blocks 218 to retentively secure the linkage pins in the forward and rearward pin openings 210, 212. A possible advantage of the embodiment of the adapter bracket 100 having open jaws 220, 222 is that the adapter bracket can be engaged with the linkage pins without uninstalling the linkage pins from the connection bracket on the work tool. In other words, the linkage pins can be inserted through the gaps or spaces provided by the first and open jaws 220, 222 by appropriately moving the adapter bracket 100 with respect to the linkage pins, as opposed to axially inserting the linkage pins through the forward and rearward pin openings 210, 212.
Referring to
The embodiments of the adapter brackets 100 of the disclosure are useful for coupling various work tools to the implement arm of a work machine. The adapter bracket 100 is configured for use with and to secure to linkage pins having different pin diameters and/or different pin spans. Accordingly, the adapter bracket 100 can be utilized with a variety of different OEM work tools and allows the same work machine to be used to efficiently and effectively conduct multiple different operations.
It will be noted that the terms “forward,” “rearward,” “upper,” “lower” and the like are for referential and orientation purposes only and are not intended as an limitation on the disclosure. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the orientation of the adapter bracket are a matter of perspective and therefore terms of orientation are for reference only.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
