Patent Application
20180238019
The present disclosure relates generally to an attachment system for a work vehicle implement.
Certain work vehicles (e.g., tractors, skid steers, etc.) include a cab configured to house an operator, and a chassis configured to support the cab. The chassis is also configured to support wheels and/or tracks to facilitate movement of the work vehicle relative to a ground surface. In addition, various mechanical components of the work vehicle, such as a motor, a transmission, and a hydraulic system, among other components, may be supported by the chassis and/or disposed within an interior of the chassis. Certain work vehicles (e.g., skid steers) have an arm rotatably coupled to the chassis and configured to support an implement (e.g., dozer blade, grapple, etc.). For example, the arm may support a dozer blade to facilitate earth-moving operations. Accordingly, the horizontal forces experienced by the dozer blade are transmitted to the chassis of the work vehicle through the arm. Unfortunately, the maximum force rating of the dozer blade may be limited due to this arrangement (e.g., due to the maximum horizontal force rating of the arm).
In one embodiment, an attachment system for a work vehicle implement includes an implement attachment assembly. The implement attachment assembly includes a receiver assembly configured to couple to a connector assembly of an arm of a work vehicle. The implement attachment assembly also includes a support structure coupled to the receiver assembly. The support structure includes a first mounting feature configured to engage a first corresponding mounting feature extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the work vehicle, and a second mounting feature configured to engage a second corresponding mounting feature extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the work vehicle. In addition, the first and second mounting features of the support structure are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis relative to a direction of travel of the work vehicle, and the first and second mounting features of the support structure are configured to substantially block horizontal and vertical movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle via engagement with the first and second corresponding mounting features of the work vehicle.
In another embodiment, an attachment system for a work vehicle implement includes a work vehicle attachment assembly. The work vehicle attachment assembly includes a connector assembly pivotally coupled to an arm of a work vehicle. The connector assembly is configured to couple to a receiver assembly of an implement attachment assembly. The work vehicle attachment assembly also includes at least one mounting feature configured to extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the work vehicle. The at least one mounting feature is configured to move along a vertical axis of the work vehicle to selectively engage at least one corresponding mounting feature of a support structure of the implement attachment assembly to substantially block horizontal and vertical movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle.
In a further embodiment, an attachment system for a work vehicle implement includes an implement attachment assembly. The implement attachment assembly includes a receiver assembly configured to couple to a connector assembly of an arm of a work vehicle. The implement attachment assembly also includes a linkage coupled to the receiver assembly. The linkage is configured to move the work vehicle implement along a vertical axis in response to rotation of the receiver assembly relative to the arm of the work vehicle.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
The cab 102 is configured to house an operator of the work vehicle 100. Accordingly, various controls, such as the illustrated hand controller 108, are positioned within the cab 102 to facilitate operator control of the work vehicle 100. For example, the controls may enable the operator to control the rotational speed of the wheels 106, thereby facilitating adjustment of the speed and/or the direction of the work vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the cab 102 includes a door 110 to facilitate ingress and egress of the operator from the cab 102.
In the illustrated embodiment, a front implement, such as the illustrated dozer blade 200, is coupled to the work vehicle 100. As illustrated, the dozer blade 200 is positioned forward of the chassis 104 relative to a direction of travel 10. As discussed in detail below, the dozer blade 200 is coupled to the work vehicle 100 by an attachment system 300. In certain embodiments, the attachment system 300 includes an implement attachment assembly and a work vehicle attachment assembly. The attachment assemblies are configured to interact with one another to couple the dozer blade 200 to the work vehicle 100. In certain embodiments, the implement attachment assembly includes a linkage configured to control movement of the dozer blade 200 relative to the work vehicle 100. For example, the linkage may be configured to move the dozer blade 200 along a vertical axis 12, while substantially blocking movement of the dozer blade 200 along a lateral axis 14 and/or along a longitudinal axis 16. In certain embodiments, an actuator assembly may be coupled to the dozer blade 200 and configured to rotate the dozer blade 200 about the longitudinal axis 16 in roll 18, about the lateral axis 14 in pitch 20, about the vertical axis 12 in yaw 22, or a combination thereof. While the front implement is a dozer blade in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the front implement may be another suitable type of implement (e.g., a broom, an auger, a grapple, etc.).
In the illustrated embodiment, the implement attachment assembly 400 also includes a support structure 406 pivotally coupled to the receiver assembly 402. The support structure 406 is configured to be positioned beneath a bottom surface of the work vehicle, and the support structure 406 includes mounting features configured to engage corresponding mounting features of the work vehicle while the support structure is positioned beneath the bottom surface of the work vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting features include a first recess 408, a second recess 410, and a pin 412. As illustrated, the mounting features are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 16 relative to the direction of travel 10. Each recess is configured to engage a corresponding pin of the work vehicle attachment assembly. Engagement of each recess with the corresponding pin substantially blocks horizontal movement of the support structure 406 relative to the work vehicle (e.g., substantially blocks movement along the longitudinal axis 16 and along the lateral axis 14). In addition, engagement of the pins and the recesses substantially blocks rotation of the support structure 406 relative to the work vehicle in yaw 22.
In addition, the pin 412 is configured to engage a retractable hook of the work vehicle attachment assembly. Engagement of the pin 412 and the hook substantially blocks downward movement of the support structure 406 relative to the work vehicle along the vertical axis 12. Accordingly, the mounting features of the implement attachment assembly 400 are configured to substantially block horizontal, vertical, and rotational movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle.
While the illustrated implement attachment assembly includes two recess, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the implement attachment assembly may include more or fewer recesses. For example, in certain embodiments, the implement attachment assembly may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more recesses, and the work vehicle attachment assembly may include a corresponding number of pins (e.g., extendable pins). In addition, while the illustrated implement attachment assembly include a single pin, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the implement attachment assembly may include more pins. For example, in certain embodiments, the implement attachment assembly may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more pins, and the work vehicle attachment assembly may include a corresponding number of hooks (e.g., retractable hooks). In addition, while the illustrated implement attachment assembly includes the pin and the recesses, it should be appreciated that the pin or at least one recess may be omitted in alternative embodiments. Moreover, the implement attachment assembly may include at least one other mounting feature (e.g., instead of the pin and/or recess(es), or in addition to the pin and/or recess(es)) configured to engage at least one corresponding mounting feature of the work vehicle attachment assembly to substantially block at least one of horizontal, vertical, and rotational movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle (e.g., one or more latches, one or more fasteners, one or more magnetic couplings, etc.).
In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 406 includes one substantially flat plate. The weight of the substantially flat plate may lower the center of gravity of the work vehicle/implement system and/or shift the center of gravity forward, thereby enabling the work vehicle to apply a larger horizontal force with the dozer blade. The recesses are formed in the substantially flat plate, and the pin is coupled to the substantially flat plate (e.g., the pin may extend through an opening in the substantially flat plate). However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the support structure may include multiple substantially flat plates (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) and/or other suitable structure(s) (e.g., tube(s), rod(s), bar(s), etc.) for mounting to the work vehicle attachment assembly via respective mounting features.
In the illustrated embodiment, the implement attachment assembly 400 includes a linkage 500 coupled to the receiver assembly 402 and to the support structure 406. The linkage 500 is configured to move the dozer blade 200 along the vertical axis 12 in response to rotation of the receiver assembly 402 relative to the support structure 406. As discussed in detail below, the work vehicle attachment assembly may include an actuator configured to rotate the connector assembly relative to the arm of the work vehicle. Accordingly, while the connector assembly is coupled to the receiver assembly 402, rotation of the connector assembly drives rotation of the receiver assembly. As such, the linkage 500 enables the actuator to control the vertical position of the dozer blade 200.
In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 500 includes a first link 502 rotatably coupled to the support structure 406 at a first pivot joint 504, a second link 506 rotatably coupled to the first link 502 at a second pivot joint 508, and a third link 510 rotatably coupled to the second link 506 at a third pivot joint 512 and rotatably coupled to the receiver assembly 402 at a fourth point joint 514. In addition, the third link 510 is non-rotatably (e.g., fixedly) coupled to the dozer blade 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver assembly 402 is rotatably coupled to the support structure 406 at a fifth point joint 516, and the first and fifth pivot joints are substantially coaxial. Rotation of the receiver assembly 402 in a first pitch direction 24 induces the linkage 500 to move the dozer blade 200 in an upward direction 26 along the vertical axis 12 (e.g., without rotating the dozer blade). In addition, rotation of the receiver assembly 402 in a second pitch direction 28 induces the linkage 500 to move the dozer blade 200 in a downward direction 30 along the vertical axis 12 (e.g., without rotating the dozer blade).
In the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly 602 includes a protrusion 606 configured to engage the corresponding recess within the receiver assembly of the implement attachment assembly. In certain embodiments, the connector assembly may include one or more extendable pins configured to engage corresponding recess(es) or opening(s) in the receiver assembly to secure the connector assembly to the receiver assembly. For example, to couple the connector assembly to the receiver assembly, the protrusion of the connector assembly may be engaged with the recess of the receiver assembly. One or more actuators may then drive the extendable pin(s) of the connector assembly into engagement with the recess(es) or opening(s) in the receiver assembly, thereby securing the connector assembly to the receiver assembly.
In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle attachment assembly 600 includes a first pin 608, a second pin 610, and a hook 612. Each pin is configured to engage a corresponding recess within the support structure of the implement attachment assembly. Engagement of each pin with the corresponding recess substantially blocks horizontal movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle 100 (e.g., substantially blocks movement along the longitudinal axis 16 and along the lateral axis 14). In addition, engagement of the pins and the recesses substantially blocks rotation of the support structure relative to the work vehicle in yaw 22.
In addition, the hook 612 (e.g., retractable hook) is configured to engage a pin of the implement attachment assembly. Engagement of the hook 612 and the pin substantially blocks downward movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle along the vertical axis 12. Accordingly, the mounting features of the work vehicle attachment assembly 600 are configured to substantially block horizontal, vertical, and rotational movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle.
While the illustrated work vehicle attachment assembly includes two pins, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the work vehicle attachment assembly may include more or fewer pins. For example, in certain embodiments, the work vehicle attachment assembly may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more pins, and the implement attachment assembly may include a corresponding number of recesses. In addition, while the illustrated work vehicle attachment assembly includes a single hook, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the work vehicle attachment assembly may include more hooks. For example, in certain embodiments, the work vehicle attachment assembly may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more hooks, and the implement attachment assembly may include a corresponding number of pins. In addition, while the illustrated work vehicle attachment assembly includes the hook and the pins, it should be appreciated that the hook or at least one pin may be omitted in alternative embodiments. Moreover, the work vehicle attachment assembly may include at least one other mounting feature (e.g., instead of the hook and/or pin(s), or in addition to the hook and/or pin(s)) configured to engage at least one corresponding mounting feature of the implement attachment assembly to substantially block at least one of horizontal, vertical, and rotational movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle (e.g., one or more latches, one or more fasteners, one or more magnetic couplings, etc.).
In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle attachment assembly 600 includes an actuator 614 configured to move the hook 612 between a lowered position to engage the pin of the implement attachment assembly and a raised position to couple the support structure to the work vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 614 includes a gear 616 configured to engage teeth 618 on the hook 612. Rotation of the gear 616 drives the hook 612 to move along the vertical axis 12 from the illustrated lowered position to the raised position. While the hook 612 is in the illustrated lowered position, the hook 612 may engage the pin of the implement attachment assembly. The actuator 614 is configured to drive the hook 612 in a upward direction 32 along the vertical axis 12, thereby driving the support structure of the implement attachment assembly into contact with a bottom surface 114 of the work vehicle 100. In certain embodiments, the gear 616 may be driven to rotate by an electric motor or a hydraulic motor, among other suitable drive mechanisms. Furthermore, while the hook is driven to move along the vertical axis by a gear/teeth system, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the hook may be driven to move along the vertical axis by another suitable drive mechanism, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinders, or an electromechanical actuator, among others.
In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle attachment assembly 600 includes a linkage 620 extending between the hook 612 and the pins 608 and 610. The linkage 620 is configured to move the pins 608 and 610 in a downward direction 34 along the vertical axis 12 from the illustrated retracted position to an extended position in response to movement of the hook 612 in the upward direction 32. While the pins 608 and 610 are in the illustrated retracted position, the work vehicle 100 may move in the direction of travel 10 until the hook 612 engages the pin of the implement attachment assembly. Once the hook is engaged with the implement attachment assembly pin, the actuator 614 may move the hook 612 in the upward direction 32, thereby driving the support structure into contact with the bottom surface 114 of the work vehicle 100 and driving the pins 608 and 610 into engagement with the corresponding recesses in the support structure. While the pins 608 and 610 are engaged with the corresponding recesses, and the hook 612 is engaged with the corresponding pin, horizontal, vertical, and rotational movement of the support structure relative to the work vehicle may be substantially blocked. While the pins 608 and 610 are driven by the linkage 620 in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, at least one pin may be driven by a separate actuator (e.g., a separate actuator for each pin, one actuator for both pins, etc.), such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electromechanical actuator, or any other suitable type of actuator.
Positioning the work vehicle in the target position and engaging the connector assembly with the receiver assembly positions the work vehicle such that the hook 612 engages the pin 412, and the pins 608 and 610 are aligned with the recesses 408 and 410. Once aligned, the actuator 614 drives the hook 612 in the upward direction 32, thereby driving the support structure 406 into contact with the bottom surface 114 of the work vehicle 100. In addition, upward movement of the hook 612 induces the linkage 620 to drive the pins 608 and 610 in the downward direction 34, thereby driving the pins 608 and 610 into engagement with the respective recesses 408 and 410. As previously discussed, engagement of the pins 608 and 610 with the respective recesses 408 and 410 substantially blocks horizontal movement of the support structure 406 relative to the work vehicle 100 (e.g., substantially blocks movement along the longitudinal axis 16 and along the lateral axis 14). In addition, engagement of the pins 608 and 610 with the respective recesses 408 and 410 substantially blocks rotation of the support structure 406 relative to the work vehicle 100 in yaw 22. Furthermore, contact between the hook 612 and the pin 412 substantially blocks movement of the support structure 406 in the downward direction 34 along the vertical axis 12, and contact between the support structure 406 and the bottom surface 114 of the work vehicle 100 substantially blocks movement of the support structure 406 in the upward direction 32 along the vertical axis 12. Moreover, contact between the support structure 406 and the bottom surface 114 of the work vehicle 100 substantially blocks rotation of the support structure 406 relative to the work vehicle 100 in pitch 20 and roll 18.
In certain embodiments, the support structure may not contact the bottom surface of the work vehicle while the attachment assemblies are coupled to one another. In such embodiments, contact between bottom surfaces of the work vehicle attachment assembly pins and top surfaces of the respective implement attachment assembly recesses may substantially block movement of the support structure in the upward direction along the vertical axis. In addition, contact between side surfaces of the work vehicle attachment assembly pins and side surfaces of the respective implement attachment assembly recesses may substantially block rotation of the support structure relative to the work vehicle in pitch and roll.
With the attachment assemblies coupled to one another, the weight of the dozer blade/implement attachment assembly is support by the connector assembly 602 and the hook 612. As illustrated, the protrusion 606 of the connector assembly 602 is in contact with the receiver assembly 402. Accordingly, a portion of the weight of the dozer blade/implement attachment assembly is supported by the connector assembly 602 and, in turn, the arm 112 of the work vehicle 100 (e.g., the portion of the weight may be transferred from the arm to the work vehicle chassis via an arm pivot joint). In addition, due to the contact between the hook 612 and the pin 412, the hook 612 also supports a portion of the weight of the dozer blade/implement attachment assembly. The hook 612, in turn, transfers the portion of the weight to the work vehicle chassis 104.
The attachment assemblies are also configured to transfer the horizontal load on the dozer blade to the work vehicle. As illustrated, the dozer blade 200 is coupled to the arm 112 of the work vehicle 100 via the linkage 500, the receiver assembly 402, and the connector assembly 602. Accordingly, a portion of the horizontal load on the dozer blade 200 is transferred to the arm 112 (e.g., the portion of the horizontal load may be transferred from the arm to the work vehicle chassis via an arm pivot joint). In the illustrated embodiment, a spacer 116 is coupled to the chassis 104 of the work vehicle 100. The spacer 116 is configured to transfer the horizontal load, which is applied to the arm 112 by the dozer blade 200, to the chassis 104. In addition, the dozer blade 200 is coupled to the support structure 406 by the linkage 500. Accordingly, a portion of the horizontal load applied to the dozer blade 200 is transferred to the support structure 406. The support structure 406, in turn, transfers the portion of the horizontal load to the work vehicle chassis 104 via the pins 608 and 610. Because a portion of the horizontal load on the dozer blade is transferred to the chassis of the work vehicle via the linkage, the support structure, and the pins, the maximum force rating of the dozer blade may be increased, as compared to a configuration in which the horizontal force is transferred to the arm alone. In addition, because a portion of the horizontal load on the arm is transferred to the chassis via the spacer, the maximum force rating of the dozer blade may be increased, as compared to a configuration in which the spacer is omitted, and the horizontal load is transferred from the arm to the chassis only at an arm pivot joint.
As previously discussed, the actuator 604 may be utilized to control the vertical position of the dozer blade 200. For example, the actuator 604 may rotate the connector assembly 602 in the direction 24, thereby driving the receiver assembly 402 to rotate in the direction 24. Rotation of the receiver assembly 402 in the direction 24 induces the linkage 500 to move the dozer blade 200 in an upward direction 26 along the vertical axis 12. In addition, the actuator 604 may rotate the connector assembly 602 in the direction 28, thereby driving the receiver assembly 402 to rotate in the direction 28. Rotation of the receiver assembly 402 in the direction 28 induces the linkage 500 to move the dozer blade 200 in a downward direction 30 along the vertical axis 12.
While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
