POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR POWERING POWER MACHINE IMPLEMENTS

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed toward power machines that have implements or attachments. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to delivery of power from a power machine, for example an electric power machine, to attached implements.

Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include any type of machine that generates power for the purpose of accomplishing a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally self-propelled vehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles can have other work devices) that can be manipulated to perform a work function. Work vehicles include loaders, excavators, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few examples. The work device on a power machine may be equipped with an attachment or implement for performing various work functions. In order to accommodate different types of implements, the implement is removably mounted on an implement interface of the power machine.

Increasingly, electric or hybrid-electric power sources are being used in power machines, instead of solely using an internal combustion engine. While conventional power machines typically used the internal combustion engine to power a hydraulic system, machines with electric power sources provide power to one or more electric motors on the power machine, and also optionally to electric actuators. Implements attached to a power machine typically receive power from the power machine. Conventionally, this typically involved connection of hydraulic hoses between the power machine and the implement. However, with the increasing use of electric and hybrid-electric power sources, new ways to provide power to attached implements are needed.

The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

SUMMARY

A power machine includes a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a power source supported on the frame, and an implement interface having an implement carrier pivotally coupled to the arm and configured to mount an implement on the power machine. The power source can be an electric power source, and the implement interface includes a power transfer system configured to provide power from the power source to the implement mounted on the implement carrier. The power transfer system of the implement interface can include a motor providing a power take-off output shaft in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the power transfer system can include circuitry to provide power to the implement through inductive coupling. In yet other embodiments, the power transfer system can include a hydraulic converter having a hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic pump and configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the implement.

In one exemplary embodiment, a power machine includes a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a power source supported on the frame, and an implement interface. The implement interface includes an implement carrier pivotally coupled to the arm and configured to engage with an implement carrier interface of an implement to mount the implement on the implement carrier. The implement interface also includes a power transfer system configured to provide power from the power source of the power machine to the implement mounted on the implement carrier. The power transfer system includes a motor and a power take-off (PTO) output shaft rotatably coupled to the motor. The motor is configured to receive power from the power source and to responsively rotate the PTO output shaft. The PTO output shaft is configured to be coupled to a PTO receiver of the implement mounted on the implement carrier.

In another exemplary embodiment, a power machine includes a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame, an electric power source supported on the frame, and an implement interface. The implement interface includes an implement carrier pivotally coupled to the arm, and the implement interface is configured to engage with an implement carrier interface of an implement to mount the implement on the power machine. The implement interface also includes a power transfer system configured to provide power from the electric power source of the power machine to the implement mounted on the power machine. The power transfer system includes a hydraulic converter having a hydraulic reservoir configured to store hydraulic fluid. The power transfer system also includes a hydraulic pump coupled to the electric power source and configured to receive electric power from the electric power source. A first hydraulic coupler of the power transfer system is coupled to an output of the hydraulic pump and is configured to be coupled to a first implement hydraulic coupler on the implement when the implement is mounted on the power machine. A second hydraulic coupler of the power transfer system is coupled to the hydraulic reservoir and is configured to be coupled to a second implement hydraulic coupler on the implement when the implement is mounted on the power machine. In response to receiving the electric power from the electric power source, the hydraulic pump is configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the implement through the first hydraulic coupler and the first implement hydraulic coupler to power a hydraulic actuator on the implement. Flow of hydraulic fluid from the implement is returned to the reservoir through the second implement hydraulic coupler and the second hydraulic coupler.

This summary and the abstract are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The summary and the abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional systems of a representative power machine on which embodiments of the present disclosure can be advantageously practiced.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate perspective views of a representative power machine in the form of a skid-steer loader of the type on which the disclosed embodiments can be practiced.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components of a power machine such as the loader illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, showing power system and power transfer system components.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustration of a power machine lift arm and implement carrier which support power transfer system components providing power to an attached implement.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view illustration of an implement carrier and a power transfer system having a power take-off (PTO).

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view illustration of the implement carrier and PTO power transfer system shown in FIG. 6 with an implement attached to the implement carrier to receive power from the PTO.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view illustration of another implement carrier and power transfer system having a PTO.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view illustration of the implement carrier and PTO power transfer system shown in FIG. 8 with an implement attached to the implement carrier to receive power from the PTO.

FIGS. 10-11 are diagrammatic side view illustrations of another implement carrier and power transfer system having a PTO.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic side view illustration of yet another implement carrier and power transfer system having a PTO.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic side view illustration of an implement carrier and a power transfer system configured to power an attached implement using inductive coupling.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the inductive power transfer system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustration of a power machine lift arm and implement carrier which support power transfer system components providing hydraulic power to an attached implement.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the hydraulic power transfer system shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view illustration of a power machine lift arm and implement carrier which support power transfer system components providing a hydraulic adapter configured to mount an implement to the implement carrier and to provide hydraulic power to the implement.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the hydraulic power transfer system shown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. These concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is used for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as “including,” “comprising,” and “having” and variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

Disclosed embodiments include power transfer systems configured to provide power from a power machine to an implement mounted on the power machine. Providing power from the power system of a power machine to an implement mounted on an implement carrier of the machine can be complex and expensive, particularly for electric and hybrid-electric powered machines. Requiring electric actuators or motors on all implements can be costly, and can potentially prevent legacy hydraulically powered implements from being used with newer electric power machines. Some disclosed embodiments allow legacy hydraulic implements to be used with newer electric power machines which lack a hydraulic system. Further, some disclosed embodiments provide a power take-off (PTO) with the implement interface to allow certain implements to receive power from a PTO shaft, eliminating the need for the implement to include a costly electric motor. Yet other embodiments provide electric power to the implement using inductive coupling, for example at the implement carrier interface, without requiring high voltage and current electrical connections between the power machine and implement. These embodiments include systems which provide power transfer between the power machine and implement using the machine-implement interface. Thus, these systems are capable of providing convenient, and even automatic in some embodiments, power coupling between the machine and implement as part of the process of mounting the implement on the power machine.

These concepts can be practiced on various power machines, as will be described below. A representative power machine on which the embodiments can be practiced is illustrated in diagram form in FIG. 1 and one example of such a power machine is illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and described below before any embodiments are disclosed. For the sake of brevity, only one power machine is illustrated and discussed as being a representative power machine. However, as mentioned above, the embodiments below can be practiced on any of a number of power machines, including power machines of different types from the representative power machine shown in FIGS. 2-3. Power machines, for the purposes of this discussion, include a frame, at least one work element, and a power source that can provide power to the work element to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a self-propelled work vehicle. Self-propelled work vehicles are a class of power machines that include a frame, work element, and a power source that can provide power to the work element. At least one of the work elements is a motive system for moving the power machine under power.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates the basic systems of a power machine 100, which can be any of a number of different types of power machines, upon which the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously incorporated. The block diagram of FIG. 1 identifies various systems on power machine 100 and the relationship between various components and systems. As mentioned above, at the most basic level, power machines for the purposes of this discussion include a frame, a power source, and a work element. The power machine 100 has a frame 110, a power source 120, and a work element 130. Because power machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a self-propelled work vehicle, it also has tractive elements 140, which are themselves work elements provided to move the power machine over a support surface and an operator station 150 that provides an operating position for controlling the work elements of the power machine. A control system 160 is provided to interact with the other systems to perform various work tasks at least in part in response to control signals provided by an operator.

Certain work vehicles have work elements that can perform a dedicated task. For example, some work vehicles have a lift arm to which an implement is attached such as by a pinning arrangement. The attached implement can be of a type which requires power from the work vehicle, such as a mower, a snow blower, a sweeper broom, a planer, etc. The attached implement can also be of a type which requires no power from the work vehicle, such as a bucket. The work element, i.e., the lift arm, can be manipulated to position the implement to perform the task. The implement, in some instances can be positioned relative to the work element, such as by rotating the implement relative to a lift arm, to further position the implement. Under normal operation of such a work vehicle, the implement is intended to be attached and under use. Such work vehicles may be able to accept other implements by disassembling the implement/work element combination and reassembling another implement in place of the original implement. Other work vehicles, however, are intended to be used with a wide variety of implements and have an implement interface such as implement interface 170 shown in FIG. 1. At its most basic, implement interface 170 is a connection mechanism between the frame 110 or a work element 130 and an implement, which can be as simple as a connection point for attaching an implement directly to the frame 110 or a work element 130 or more complex, as discussed below.

On some power machines, implement interface 170 can include an implement carrier, which is a physical structure movably attached to a work element. The implement carrier has engagement features and locking features to accept and secure any of a number of different implements to the work element. One characteristic of such an implement carrier is that once an implement is attached to it, it is fixed to the implement (i.e. not movable with respect to the implement) and when the implement carrier is moved with respect to the work element, the implement moves with the implement carrier. The term implement carrier as used herein is not merely a pivotal connection point, but rather a dedicated device specifically intended to accept and be secured to various different implements. The implement carrier itself is mountable to a work element 130 such as a lift arm or the frame 110. Implement interface 170 can also include one or more power sources or power transfer devices or systems for providing power to one or more work elements on an implement. Some power machines can have a plurality of work element with implement interfaces, each of which may, but need not, have an implement carrier for receiving implements. Some other power machines can have a work element with a plurality of implement interfaces so that a single work element can accept a plurality of implements simultaneously. Each of these implement interfaces can, but need not, have an implement carrier.

Frame 110 includes a physical structure that can support various other components that are attached thereto or positioned thereon. The frame 110 can include any number of individual components. Some power machines have frames that are rigid. That is, no part of the frame is movable with respect to another part of the frame. Other power machines have at least one portion that can move with respect to another portion of the frame. For example, excavators can have an upper frame portion that rotates with respect to a lower frame portion. Other work vehicles have articulated frames such that one portion of the frame pivots with respect to another portion for accomplishing steering functions.

Frame 110 supports the power source 120, which is configured to provide power to one or more work elements 130 including the one or more tractive elements 140, as well as, in some instances, providing power for use by an attached implement via implement interface 170. Power from the power source 120 can be provided directly to any of the work elements 130, tractive elements 140, and implement interfaces 170. Alternatively, power from the power source 120 can be provided to a control system 160, which in turn selectively provides power to the elements that capable of using it to perform a work function. Power sources for power machines can include an engine such as an internal combustion engine and a power conversion system such as a mechanical transmission or a hydraulic system that is configured to convert the output from an engine into a form of power that is usable by a work element. Exemplary disclosed embodiments include power machines using either electrical power sources or a combination of power sources, known generally as hybrid power sources.

In exemplary disclosed embodiments, the one or more power transfer devices or systems included with implement interface 170 are devices or systems which provide power from a power machine with an electric power source or a hybrid-electric power source to an attached implement. For example, some disclosed embodiments include an electric motor providing a PTO shaft which is received by a PTO receiver on an attached implement. This allows a variety of different implements to be used with the electric power machine without requiring each implement to include its own electric motor. In other embodiments, the PTO motor can be a hydraulic motor of a hydraulic system driven by an electric power source of the power machine. In other embodiments, the power transfer devices or systems included with implement interface 170 include wireless power transfer devices which provide power from the power machine to the implement by way of transmission of energy using electromagnetic induction. In still other embodiments, the power transfer devices or systems include electrically driven hydraulic systems in order to allow hydraulically powered implements to be used with an electrically powered power machine. These electrically driven hydraulic systems can be at least partially mounted on the implement interface or lift arm of the power machine. In some embodiments, the electrically driven hydraulic systems are hydraulic adapters which mount on the implement carrier and provide the hydraulic system and an additional implement carrier onto which an implement can be mounted. In other embodiments, these hydraulic systems can be conversion kits supported by the power machine frame, lift arm, etc.

FIG. 1 shows a single work element designated as work element 130, but various power machines can have any number of work elements. Work elements are typically attached to the frame of the power machine and movable with respect to the frame when performing a work task. For example, the power machine can be a mower with a mower deck or other mower component as a work element, which may be movable with respect to the frame of the mower. In addition, tractive elements 140 are a special case of work element in that their work function is generally to move the power machine 100 over a support surface. Tractive elements 140 are shown separate from the work element 130 because many power machines have additional work elements besides tractive elements, although that is not always the case. Power machines can have any number of tractive elements, some or all of which can receive power from the power source 120 to propel the power machine 100. Tractive elements can be, for example, track assemblies, wheels attached to an axle, and the like. Tractive elements can be mounted to the frame such that movement of the tractive element is limited to rotation about an axle (so that steering is accomplished by a skidding action) or, alternatively, pivotally mounted to the frame to accomplish steering by pivoting the tractive element with respect to the frame.

Power machine 100 includes an operator station 150 that includes an operating position from which an operator can control operation of the power machine. In some power machines, the operator station 150 is defined by an enclosed or partially enclosed cab. Some power machines on which the disclosed embodiments may be practiced may not have a cab or an operator compartment of the type described above. For example, a walk behind loader may not have a cab or an operator compartment, but rather an operating position that serves as an operator station from which the power machine is properly operated. More broadly, power machines other than work vehicles may have operator stations that are not necessarily similar to the operating positions and operator compartments referenced above. Further, some power machines such as power machine 100 and others, whether or not they have operator compartments or operator positions, may be capable of being operated remotely (i.e., from a remotely located operator station) instead of or in addition to an operator station adjacent or on the power machine. This can include applications where at least some of the operator-controlled functions of the power machine can be operated from an operating position associated with an implement that is coupled to the power machine. Alternatively, with some power machines, a remote-control device can be provided (i.e., remote from both of the power machine and any implement to which is it coupled) that is capable of controlling at least some of the operator-controlled functions on the power machine.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate a loader 200, which is one particular example of a power machine of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 where the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously employed. Loader 200 is a skid-steer loader, which is a loader that has tractive elements (in this case, four wheels) that are mounted to the frame of the loader via rigid axles. Here the phrase “rigid axles” refers to the fact that the skid-steer loader 200 does not have any tractive elements that can be rotated or steered to help the loader accomplish a turn. Instead, a skid-steer loader has a drive system that independently powers one or more tractive elements on each side of the loader so that by providing differing tractive signals to each side, the machine will tend to skid over a support surface. These varying signals can even include powering tractive element(s) on one side of the loader to move the loader in a forward direction and powering tractive element(s) on another side of the loader to mode the loader in a reverse direction so that the loader will turn about a radius centered within the footprint of the loader itself. The term “skid-steer” has traditionally referred to loaders that have skid steering as described above with wheels as tractive elements. However, it should be noted that many track loaders also accomplish turns via skidding and are technically skid-steer loaders, even though they do not have wheels. For the purposes of this discussion, unless noted otherwise, the term skid-steer should not be seen as limiting the scope of the discussion to those loaders with wheels as tractive elements. Correspondingly, although some example power machines discussed herein are presented as skid-steer power machines, some embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented on a variety of other power machines. For example, some embodiments can be implemented on compact loaders or compact excavators that do not accomplish turns via skidding.

Loader 200 is one particular example of the power machine 100 illustrated broadly in FIG. 1 and discussed above. To that end, features of loader 200 described below include reference numbers that are generally similar to those used in FIG. 1. For example, loader 200 is described as having a frame 210, just as power machine 100 has a frame 110. Skid-steer loader 200 is described herein to provide a reference for understanding one environment on which the embodiments described below related to track assemblies and mounting elements for mounting the track assemblies to a power machine may be practiced. The loader 200 should not be considered limiting especially as to the description of features that loader 200 may have described herein that are not essential to the disclosed embodiments and thus may or may not be included in power machines other than loader 200 upon which the embodiments disclosed below may be advantageously practiced. Unless specifically noted otherwise, embodiments disclosed below can be practiced on a variety of power machines, with the loader 200 being only one of those power machines. For example, some or all of the concepts discussed below can be practiced on many other types of work vehicles such as various other loaders, excavators, trenchers, and dozers, to name but a few examples.

Loader 200 includes frame 210 that supports a power system 220, the power system being capable of generating or otherwise providing power for operating various functions on the power machine. Power system 220 is shown in block diagram form but is typically located within the frame 210. Frame 210 supports and generally encloses the power system 220 so that the various components of the power system 220 are not visible in FIGS. 2-3. However, some components of the power system, such as battery packs, can be supported on an exterior of the frame. In exemplary embodiments, loader 200 can be an electric loader and power system 220 can include battery packs and electric components such as electric motors, inverters, battery charging components, etc. In other embodiments, power system 220 can include an engine, such as in a hybrid-electric power system.

Frame 210 also supports a work element in the form of a lift arm assembly 230 that is powered by the power system 220 and that can perform various work tasks. As loader 200 is a work vehicle, frame 210 also supports a traction system 240, which is also powered by power system 220 and can propel the power machine over a support surface. The lift arm assembly 230 in turn supports an implement interface 270, which includes an implement carrier 272 that can receive and secure various implements to the loader 200 for performing various work tasks and a power transfer system 274, to which an implement can be coupled for selectively providing power to an implement that might be connected to the loader. In some exemplary embodiments, the implement interface can be configured to include implement mounting and coupling features such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,397 entitled POWER ACTUATOR FOR ATTACHMENT PLATE and issued on Oct. 8, 1996, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,755 entitled IMPLEMENT INTERFACE and issued on Apr. 25, 2017, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,885,167 entitled IMPLEMENT INTERFACE and issued on Feb. 6, 2018, and in U.S. Pat. No. 11,255,070 entitled HYDRAULIC COUPLING and issued on Feb. 22, 2022. Power transfer system 274 can be combined as a portion of, or be coupled to, implement interface 270. Power transfer system 274 can provide sources of mechanical, electric, or hydraulic power in various embodiments, or can provide a combination of different types of power. In some exemplary disclosed embodiments, power transfer system 274 includes an electric motor providing a PTO shaft which is received by a PTO receiver on an attached implement. In other embodiments, the PTO motor can be a hydraulic motor of a hydraulic system driven by an electric power source of the power machine. In other exemplary embodiments, the power transfer system 274 is an electromagnetic induction system which transfers electrical power to an attached implement using coils on the power machine and on the implement. In still other embodiments, the power transfer system includes electrically driven hydraulic systems at least partially mounted on the implement interface 270 in order to allow hydraulically powered implements to be used with an electrically powered power machine.

The loader 200 includes a cab 250 that defines an operator station 255 from which an operator can manipulate various control devices 260 to cause the power machine to perform various work functions. Cab 250 can be pivoted back about an axis that extends through mounts 254 to provide access to power system components as needed for maintenance and repair.

The operator station 255 includes an operator seat 258 and a plurality of operation input devices, including control levers 260 that an operator can manipulate to control various machine functions. Operator input devices can include buttons, switches, levers, sliders, pedals and the like that can be stand-alone devices such as hand operated levers or foot pedals or incorporated into hand grips or display panels, including programmable input devices. Actuation of operator input devices can generate signals in the form of electrical signals, hydraulic signals, and/or mechanical signals. Signals generated in response to operator input devices are provided to various components on the power machine for controlling various functions on the power machine. Among the functions that are controlled via operator input devices on power machine 200 include control of the tractive elements 219, the lift arm assembly 230, the implement carrier 272, the power transfer system 274 and providing signals to any implement that may be operably coupled to the implement.

Loaders can include human-machine interfaces including display devices that are provided in the cab 250 to give indications of information relatable to the operation of the power machines in a form that can be sensed by an operator, such as, for example audible and/or visual indications. Audible indications can be made in the form of buzzers, bells, and the like or via verbal communication. Visual indications can be made in the form of graphs, lights, icons, gauges, alphanumeric characters, and the like. Displays can provide dedicated indications, such as warning lights or gauges, or dynamic to provide programmable information, including programmable display devices such as monitors of various sizes and capabilities. Display devices can provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, instructional information, and various other types of information that assists an operator with operation of the power machine or an implement coupled to the power machine. Other information that may be useful for an operator can also be provided. Other power machines, such walk behind loaders may not have a cab nor an operator compartment, nor a seat. The operator position on such loaders is generally defined relative to a position where an operator is best suited to manipulate operator input devices.

Various power machines that can include and/or interacting with the embodiments discussed below can have various different frame components that support various work elements. The elements of frame 210 discussed herein are provided for illustrative purposes and frame 210 is not the only type of frame that a power machine on which the embodiments can be practiced can employ. Frame 210 of loader 200 includes an undercarriage or lower portion 211 of the frame and a mainframe or upper portion 212 of the frame that is supported by the undercarriage. The mainframe 212 of loader 200, in some embodiments is attached to the undercarriage 211 such as with fasteners or by welding the undercarriage to the mainframe. Alternatively, the mainframe and undercarriage can be integrally formed. Mainframe 212 includes a pair of upright portions 214A and 214B located on either side and toward the rear of the mainframe that support lift arm assembly 230 and to which the lift arm assembly 230 is pivotally attached. The lift arm assembly 230 is illustratively pinned to each of the upright portions 214A and 214B. The combination of mounting features on the upright portions 214A and 214B and the lift arm assembly 230 and mounting hardware (including pins used to pin the lift arm assembly to the mainframe 212) are collectively referred to as joints 216A and 216B (one is located on each of the upright portions 214) for the purposes of this discussion. Joints 216A and 216B are aligned along an axis 218 so that the lift arm assembly is capable of pivoting, as discussed below, with respect to the frame 210 about axis 218. Other power machines may not include upright portions on either side of the frame or may not have a lift arm assembly that is mountable to upright portions on either side and toward the rear of the frame. For example, some power machines may have a single arm, mounted to a single side of the power machine or to a front or rear end of the power machine. Other machines can have a plurality of work elements, including a plurality of lift arms, each of which is mounted to the machine in its own configuration. Frame 210 also supports a pair of tractive elements in the form of wheels 219A-D on either side of the loader 200.

The lift arm assembly 230 shown in FIGS. 2-3 is one example of many different types of lift arm assemblies that can be attached to a power machine such as loader 200 or other power machines on which embodiments of the present discussion can be practiced. The lift arm assembly 230 is what is known as a vertical lift arm, meaning that the lift arm assembly 230 is moveable (i.e., the lift arm assembly can be raised and lowered) under control of the loader 200 with respect to the frame 210 along a lift path 237 that forms a generally vertical path. Other lift arm assemblies can have different geometries and can be coupled to the frame of a loader in various ways to provide lift paths that differ from the radial path of lift arm assembly 230. For example, some lift paths on other loaders provide a radial lift path. Other lift arm assemblies can have an extendable or telescoping portion. Other power machines can have a plurality of lift arm assemblies attached to their frames, with each lift arm assembly being independent of the other(s). Unless specifically stated otherwise, none of the inventive concepts set forth in this discussion are limited by the type or number of lift arm assemblies that are coupled to a particular power machine.

The lift arm assembly 230 has a pair of lift arms 234 that are disposed on opposing sides of the frame 210. A first end 232A of each of the lift arms 234 is pivotally coupled to the power machine at joints 216 and a second end 232B of each of the lift arms is positioned forward of the frame 210 when in a lowered position as shown in FIG. 2. Joints 216 are located toward a rear of the loader 200 so that the lift arms extend along the sides of the frame 210. The lift path 237 is defined by the path of travel of the second end 232B of the lift arms 234 as the lift arm assembly 230 is moved between a minimum and maximum height.

Each of the lift arms 234 has a first portion 234A of each lift arm 234 is pivotally coupled to the frame 210 at one of the joints 216 and the second portion 234B extends from its connection to the first portion 234A to the second end 232B of the lift arm assembly 230. The lift arms 234 are each coupled to a cross member 236 that is attached to the first portions 234A. Cross member 236 provides increased structural stability to the lift arm assembly 230. A pair of actuators 238, which on loader 200 can be electric actuators or hydraulic cylinders configured to receive power from power system 220, are pivotally coupled to both the frame 210 and the lift arms 234 at pivotable joints 238A and 238B, respectively, on either side of the loader 200. The actuators 238 are sometimes referred to individually and collectively as lift cylinders. Actuation (i.e., extension and retraction) of the actuators 238 cause the lift arm assembly 230 to pivot about joints 216 and thereby be raised and lowered along a fixed path illustrated by arrow 237. Each of a pair of control links 217 are pivotally mounted to the frame 210 and one of the lift arms 232 on either side of the frame 210. The control links 217 help to define the fixed lift path of the lift arm assembly 230.

Some lift arms, most notably lift arms on excavators but also possible on loaders, may have portions that are controllable to pivot with respect to another segment instead of moving in concert (i.e., along a pre-determined path) as is the case in the lift arm assembly 230 shown in FIG. 2. Some power machines have lift arm assemblies with a single lift arm, such as is known in excavators or even some loaders and other power machines. Other power machines can have a plurality of lift arm assemblies, each being independent of the other(s).

An implement interface 270 is provided proximal to a second end 232B of the lift arm assembly 234. The implement interface 270 includes an implement carrier 272 that is capable of accepting and securing a variety of different implements to the lift arm 230. Such implements have a complementary machine interface that is configured to be engaged with the implement carrier 272. The implement carrier 272 is pivotally mounted at the second end 232B of the arm 234. Implement carrier actuators 235 are operably coupled the lift arm assembly 230 and the implement carrier 272 and are operable to rotate the implement carrier with respect to the lift arm assembly. Implement carrier actuators 235 can be electric actuators or hydraulic cylinders, depending upon the power system utilized, and are often known as tilt actuators.

By having an implement carrier capable of being attached to a plurality of different implements, changing from one implement to another can be accomplished with relative case. For example, machines with implement carriers can provide an actuator between the implement carrier and the lift arm assembly, so that removing or attaching an implement does not involve removing or attaching an actuator from the implement or removing or attaching the implement from the lift arm assembly. The implement carrier 272 provides a mounting structure for easily attaching an implement to the lift arm (or other portion of a power machine) that a lift arm assembly without an implement carrier does not have.

Some power machines can have implements or implement like devices attached to it such as by being pinned to a lift arm with a tilt actuator also coupled directly to the implement or implement type structure. A common example of such an implement that is rotatably pinned to a lift arm is a bucket, with one or more tilt cylinders being attached to a bracket that is fixed directly onto the bucket such as by welding or with fasteners. Such a power machine does not have an implement carrier, but rather has a direct connection between a lift arm and an implement.

The implement interface 270 also includes power transfer system 274 available for connection to an implement supported by the lift arm assembly 230. The power transfer system 274 provides, in various embodiments, mechanical, electrical or hydraulic power to an implement mounted on implement carrier 272 of implement interface 270. As discussed further below, some embodiments include an electric or hydraulic motor which provides a PTO output shaft that automatically connects to a PTO receiver on the attached implement. Other embodiments of power transfer system 274 include components which utilize electromagnetic induction to transfer power from the power machine to the implement without requiring high current power transfer through electrical connectors. Still other embodiments of power transfer system 274 include a hydraulic system mounted on or associated with the implement interface to provide hydraulic power to the attached implement. For example, in some embodiments the power transfer system includes an adapter which on a first side mounts onto the implement carrier, provides an electrically powered hydraulic system, and which on a second side is configured to have the implement mounted on the adapter.

The description of power machine 100 and loader 200 above is provided for illustrative purposes, to provide illustrative environments on which the embodiments discussed below can be practiced. While the embodiments discussed can be practiced on a power machine such as is generally described by the power machine 100 shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 and more particularly on a loader such as loader 200, unless otherwise noted or recited, the concepts discussed below are not intended to be limited in their application to the environments specifically described above.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown in block diagram form are certain components of a power machine 300 which provides power to an implement 305 mounted on the power machine. Power machine 300 is one example of the power machines 100 or 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and discussed above. Accordingly, power machine 300 can include any of the features discussed above even if not illustrated in FIG. 4, and similar features of power machine 300 described below include reference numbers that are generally similar to those used in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 is a side view illustration of portions of power machine 300 with the power transfer system being diagrammatically shown in relation to a lift arm and implement carrier.

Power machine 300 includes a power source 320 which in exemplary embodiments includes an electric power system 322 having batteries 324 configured to provide power to operate various machine functions such as travel, lift arm movement, implement carrier tilt, etc. Electric power system 322 can include other components (not shown) such as electric motors, inverters, battery charging components, etc. In various embodiments, power system 320 can alternatively be a hybrid-electric system which also includes an internal combustion engine. Further, in some embodiments, power source 320 can include an electrically driven hydraulic system 324. Power sources 320 including an electrically driven hydraulic system 324 can for example be used in power machines having primarily hydraulic actuators instead of electric actuators

Power machine 300 includes an implement interface 370 having an implement carrier 372 onto which an implement 305 can be mounted using an implement carrier interface 307 of the implement. The implement interface 370 can be configured to include implement mounting and coupling features such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,397 entitled POWER ACTUATOR FOR ATTACHMENT PLATE and issued on Oct. 8, 1996, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,755 entitled IMPLEMENT INTERFACE and issued on Apr. 25, 2017, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,885,167 entitled IMPLEMENT INTERFACE and issued on Feb. 6, 2018, and in U.S. Pat. No. 11,255,070 entitled HYDRAULIC COUPLING and issued on Feb. 22, 2022. As shown in FIG. 5, implement carrier 372 is mounted to a lift arm 334 and is rotatable relative to the lift arm by a tilt actuator 335. A lift actuator (not shown), such as lift actuator 238 discussed above, moves lift arm 334 relative to a power machine frame 310. The lift actuator and tilt actuator 335 can be electric actuators in embodiments where power machine 300 has an electric power source, or can be hydraulic actuators in embodiments which include a hydraulic system, such as power machine including an electrically driven hydraulic system. As will be discussed below in greater detail, power machine 300 also includes a power transfer system or device 374 which transfers power from system 322 on the power machine to a power receiving system or device 376 on an attached implement 305 under the control of a control system 360, which can include one or more machine controllers or other suitably configured processing circuitry. Power received from power system 322 through power transfer system 374 and power receiving system 376 is used to power actuators 382 on implement 305, for example under the control of an implement controller 390.

The power transfer system 374 can be mounted to, or otherwise configured to work in conjunction with, the implement carrier 372 to automatically couple the power transfer system and the power receiving system 376 when implement 305 is mounted on the implement carrier. In some embodiments, a power transfer system actuator 378 can be utilized to move one or more components of the power transfer system into position for coupling to power receiving system 376 as part of the process of mounting the implement to the implement carrier. Shown without specific configuration in FIGS. 4-5, actuator 378 can for example be an electric or hydraulic actuator coupled between a power transfer system component and a structure such as the lift arm 334 or the implement carrier 372. In other embodiments, the components of power transfer system 374 are positioned to automatically couple to the power receiving system 376 without the use of actuator 378. In still other embodiments, after mounting of implement 305 on implement carrier 372 of power machine 300, an operator can manually connect power transfer system 374 to power receiving system 376. Coupling of the implement 305 to the implement carrier 372 of power machine 300 can be controlled by a machine operator using the one or more user inputs 362 to control a lift actuator and thereby movement of a lift arm, to control tilt actuator 335 and thereby rotation of the implement carrier, and in some embodiments to control power transfer system actuator 378 and thereby movement of the power transfer system components relative to the implement carrier and attached implement.

As will discussed in detail below, in some exemplary embodiments, power transfer system 374 includes an electric motor or a hydraulic motor providing a PTO shaft which is received by a PTO receiver of the power receiving system 376 on an attached implement 305. Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, the power transfer system 374 is an electromagnetic induction system including coils which electromagnetically transfer electrical power to implement 305 through corresponding coils in power receiving system 376. In another embodiment, the power transfer system 374 includes an adapter which provides an electrically driven hydraulic system at least partially mounted on the implement carrier 372 or the lift arm supporting the implement carrier.

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is an implement interface 470 of a power machine 400 which can be an embodiment of implement interfaces 170, 270 and 370 discussed above. Implement interface 470 includes an implement carrier 472 configured to have an implement mounted thereon. FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of portions of an implement 405 mounted on implement carrier 472 using implement carrier interface 407 of the implement carrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the power transfer system 474 included as part of implement interface 470, or which works in conjunction with implement interface 470, is a motor 473 providing a PTO output shaft 475 for coupling to a PTO receiver 480 of a power receiving system 476 on the implement 405 to power implement actuators or work elements 482. Implement actuators or work elements 482 can be, for example, rotary work elements such as mower elements, sweeper elements, etc. Implement actuators 482 can also be powered through the PTO interface under the control of an implement controller 490 in some embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, the motor 473 is an electric motor powered by an electric power source 320. However, in other embodiments, motor 473 can be a hydraulic motor powered by an electrically driven hydraulic system 324. Motor 473 can also be a hydraulic motor in still other embodiments in which power source 320 includes an engine instead of, or in conjunction with, electric power source components.

In the illustrated embodiment, motor 473 is mounted on the lift arm or implement carrier in a position that provides PTO shaft 475 at a set location relative to the front face 471 of the implement carrier 472 so that each of a variety of different types of implements can have a common power receiving system arrangement and be coupled to the PTO shaft of power machine 400. The PTO shaft can be nested within implement couplers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,562,397, 9,631,755, 9,885,167, and 11,255,070. In some exemplary embodiments, the PTO shaft 475 protrudes through the mating plane of the implement coupling, e.g., the plane of front face 471 of implement carrier 472 and implement carrier interface 407 of implement carrier 405. This can be achieved by placing motor 473 laterally between implement carrier plates, by extending the PTO shaft through an aperture 484 in the implement carrier, or by another configuration. In the alternative, PTO shaft 475 can be recessed behind the implement coupling mating plane as shown in FIGS. 8-9. In such an alternative embodiment, the PTO receiver 480 of power receiving system 476 on the implement 405 can extend to the location of the PTO shaft 475. Such a recessed PTO shaft configuration can be beneficial in that this allows power machine 400 to have non-PTO driven implements mounted on implement carrier 472.

In still other embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 10-11, motor 473 is initially in a non-engagement position as shown in FIG. 10 with PTO shaft 475 not positioned for mating with a corresponding PTO receiver on an attached implement. For example, motor 473 can be in a rearwardly pivoted position or in a rearwardly retracted position. In FIG. 10, motor 473 is illustrated in a rearwardly pivoted position in which the motor is pivoted about a pivot axis 486. Axis 486 can be the same axis on which implement carrier 472 pivots, or can be an axis parallel to the implement carrier pivot axis. The non-engagement position of motor 473 can for example be a position in which PTO shaft 475 is entirely rearward of front face 471 of implement carrier 472 such that implements which do not require a PTO shaft connection can be mounted on the implement interface 470. Other non-engagement positions are also contemplated. As noted, the motor 473 is mounted to have at least one degree of freedom of movement. This can be rotation about an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the implement carrier. However, the motor can also have additional degrees of freedom of movement, allowing the motor to be shifted left-right, up-down, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, a power transfer system actuator 478 is coupled to the motor 473 and is configured to move the motor into an engagement position. The engagement position, for example shown in FIG. 11, is a position in which the PTO shaft 475 can be mated with a corresponding PTO receiver on an attached implement. This engagement position can be forward of front face 471 of implement carrier 472, or it can remain rearward of this implement interface surface in other embodiments.

In still other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 12, motor 473 can be coupled to implement carrier 474 in a configuration in which motor 473 is biased in a stationary position relative to the lift arm while the implement carrier 472 is pivoted about axis 486 by a tilt cylinder (not shown) during an implement mounting process. Then, after the implement 405 (shown in FIG. 9) is mounted on the implement carrier, rollback of the implement carrier by the tilt cylinder causes the coupling of PTO receiver 480 of the implement 405 and PTO shaft 475 of motor 473. After coupling of the PTO shaft and receiver, pivoting of the implement carrier by the tilt actuator overcomes the bias forces and motor 473 is then capable of pivoting with implement carrier 472 about axis 486.

Referring now to FIG. 13, shown diagrammatically are certain components of a power machine 500 which provides power to an implement 505 mounted on the power machine at an implement interface 570 formed between front face 571 of implement carrier 572 and implement carrier interface 507 of the implement. Power machine 500 is another example of the power machines 100, 200 or 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and discussed above. Accordingly, power machine 500 can include any of the features discussed above even if not illustrated in FIG. 13, and similar features of power machine 500 described below include reference numbers that are generally similar to those used in FIGS. 1-4. Implement interface 570 can be an embodiment of implement interfaces 170, 270 and 370 discussed above, and includes an implement carrier 572 configured to have implement 505 mounted thereon, with a mating plane of the implement coupling at front face 571 of implement carrier 572. In power machine 500, power transfer system 574, included as a part of implement interface 570, or which works in conjunction with implement interface 570, is a power transfer system which transfers power from power source 320 to power receiving system 576 on implement 505 using inductive coupling. Implement actuators 582 can then be powered by power transferred through this inductive power transfer interface, under the control of an implement controller 590 in some embodiments.

Although power transfer system 574 and power receiving system 576 can include additional circuitry and components, such as those discussed further below with reference to FIG. 14, systems 574 and 576 are described initially as including magnetic structures in the form of coils 502 and 504, respectively, which transfer power from power source 320 to the implement 505 using inductive coupling. Coils 502 of power transfer system 574 are used to generate a time-varying electromagnetic field 506 that transmits power. Power from the electromagnetic field 506 is received or extracted using coils 504 of power receiving system 576. In some embodiments, the time varying power signals required to produce the time varying magnetic field 506 can be generated by circuitry considered to be part of power source 320. However, in other embodiments such as the embodiment discussed below with reference to FIG. 14, this circuitry can be included in power transfer system 574. Similarly, while shown diagrammatically in FIG. 13 with only coils, those of skill in the art understand that power received through coils 504 in power receiving system 576 will typically require compensation and/or conversion to a format suitable for use by implement actuators 582.

In exemplary embodiments, coils 502 on implement carrier 572 and coils 504 on implement 505 are preferably in close proximity when the implement is mounted on the implement carrier. However, for durability and other reasons, it may not be preferred to have coils 502 exposed at front face 571 of implement carrier 572. Similarly, it may be preferable to have coils 504 protected near the implement interface which mounts the implement on the implement carrier. It also would be preferable in some instances to not have portions of the metal implement carrier or metal implement interface positioned between the coils while transferring power. Thus, in some embodiments, coils 502 and 504 are each recessed from the corresponding interface surfaces between the implement carrier and implement. Further, in some embodiments a durable epoxy or other material forms protective layers 508 and 510, respectively, in front of coils 502 and 504. This provides non-metal interface support structures at the implement carrier-to-implement interface, while also protecting the coils from damage due to mechanical forces, moisture, etc.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating implement interface 570 and showing in greater detail components which can be included in power transfer system 574 and power receiving system 576 in some exemplary embodiments. As shown, power transfer system 574 can include power conversion circuitry 512 which is configured to receive electrical power from power source 320 and to responsively generate the time varying electrical signals required to produce the time varying magnetic field 506. For instance, if a DC power signal is provided by power source 320, power conversion circuitry 512 can include a DC-to-AC converter, as well as any necessary filters, voltage regulating or compensating circuitry required to generate and condition the time varying electrical signal provided to coils 502.

Power transfer system 574 can also include power transfer control circuitry 518 configured to control the provision of time varying signals to coils 502. For instance, in some embodiments a power transfer controller 518 can be configured to only allow the time varying electrical signals to be provided to coils 502 when a determination is made that implement 505 has been properly mounted on implement carrier 572. Power transfer system 574 and power receiving system 576 can include wireless communication circuitry 522 and 524, respectively, to provide such verification. For instance, wireless communication circuitry 522 and 524 can be near-field communication (NFC) circuits which communicate with each other using inductive coupling according to an NFC communication standard. Wireless communication circuitry 522 and 524 can alternatively be radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuitry, Bluetooth communication circuitry, or other wireless communication circuitry which communicate between power machine 500 and implement 505. Using the wireless communication circuitry 522 and 524 allows power transfer controller 518 to ensure that the implement is properly mounted on the implement carrier to position and align power transfer system 574 and power receiving system 576 before enabling power transfer between the two.

Further, in yet other embodiments, the power transfer controller 518 can be configured to also require that an operator of the power machine provide further user input to enable the transfer of power to implement 505 before allowing the time varying electrical signals to be provided to coils 502. For example, the power transfer controller can be configured to only allow the time varying signals to be generated or provided to coils 502 after a determination that a power transfer enablement input has been actuated by the operator, or only after the operator manipulates a user input to command a work action by an implement actuator 582.

As also shown in FIG. 14, power receiving system 576 can include power conversion circuitry 514 which is configured to receive a time varying electrical signal from coils 504 and to convert the signal into electrical signals suitable for use by implement actuators 582 or optionally for energy storage. Power receiving system 576 can therefore optionally also include a battery or power storage device 520 which receives and stores power from the converted electrical signals. Implement actuators 582 can then receive power from either of power conversion circuitry 514 or power storage device 520. For purposes of charging power storage device 520, power conversion circuitry 514 can include an AC-to-DC converter. Depending upon the electrical inputs required by implement actuators 582, power conversion circuitry 514 can include additional conversion or compensation circuitry to provide the proper signal format. It must be noted that power storage device 520 is not required in all embodiments, and that in some embodiments power storage device 520 can be just a capacitor having sufficient storage capacity to power an implement controller 590, wireless communication circuitry 524, etc.

By providing an implement interface 570 with components for transfer of power by inductive coupling, a benefit is realized by providing power to the implement without the use of mechanical connections. Mechanical connections can require maintenance, introduce failures due to wear, and present other challenges. The wireless power transfer provided in implement interface 570 reduces or eliminates the likelihood of such occurrences.

Referring now to FIG. 15, shown diagrammatically are certain components of a power machine 600 which provides power to an implement (not shown in FIG. 15) mounted on the power machine at an implement interface 670. Power machine 600 is another example of the power machines 100, 200 or 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and discussed above. Accordingly, power machine 600 can include any of the features discussed above even if not illustrated in FIG. 15, and similar features of power machine 600 described below include reference numbers that are generally similar to those used in FIGS. 1-4. As such, implement interface 670 of power machine 600 has an implement carrier 672 onto which an implement can be mounted. Implement carrier 672 is mounted to a lift arm 634 of the power machine and is rotatable relative to the lift arm by a tilt actuator 635. A lift actuator (not shown), such as lift actuator 238 discussed above, moves lift arm 634 relative to a power machine frame 610. The lift actuator and tilt actuator can be electric actuators in embodiments where power machine 600 has an electric power source 320. Power transfer system 674 transfers power from electric power system 322 (shown in FIG. 4) of the power source on the power machine to a power receiving system or device on an attached implement under the control of the control system 360 discussed above.

In exemplary embodiments, power transfer system 674 is a conversion system or an adapter which can be coupled to the implement carrier 672, lift arm 634 or frame 610 to allow a power machine with an electric power system to be used with hydraulic implements. As many legacy implements are designed to be powered hydraulically, this allows these implements to be used with newer electric power machines. It also allows new implements to be produced which are capable of using hydraulic motors and actuators, for example for cost or performance reasons, while still allowing these implements to be used with electrically powered machines.

Referring now to FIG. 16, shown is an embodiment of power transfer system 674 which can be used as a kit to convert electric power machines into machines capable of powering and utilizing hydraulic attachments. Depending upon the requirements of the particular power machine and/or implement, power transfer system 674 can be mounted on implement carrier 672 or arm 634 such that the power transfer system moves with the implement carrier and any attached implement. In other embodiments, power transfer system 674 can be at least partially mounted to frame 610 of the power machine. Determination of the desired mounting of power transfer system 674 can depend for example upon the hydraulic flow requirements of the implement, and therefore depend upon the size of components of power transfer system 674.

As shown in FIG. 16, power transfer system 674 includes a hydraulic pump 602 coupled to power source 320 to receive power from the power source. In exemplary embodiments, hydraulic pump 602 is an electrically driven hydraulic pump. Power transfer system 674 also includes a hydraulic reservoir 604 coupled to an input of the hydraulic pump 602 and which provides a source of hydraulic fluid for the pump, with an output of the hydraulic pump coupled to a first hydraulic coupler 606. Hydraulic coupler 606 is configured to be coupled to a first hydraulic coupler 684 on implement 605 when implement 605 is mounted on implement carrier 672 to provide a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid for use in powering one or more implement actuators 682. A second coupler 608 of power transfer system 674 is configured to be coupled to a second coupler 686 on implement 605 to provide a return flow path to reservoir 604 for hydraulic fluid.

The size of the hydraulic reservoir and of the hydraulic pump can vary depending upon the flow requirements of the one or more actuators 682. For instance, in implements having only hydraulic cylinder type actuators, blade angle actuators, grapples, etc., relatively low flow is required and the reservoir and pump can each be smaller. In implements having rotary style tools or actuators, for example with hydraulic motors, higher flow is typically required. This can necessitate a higher flow rate hydraulic pump and a larger hydraulic reservoir. Further, depending upon factors such as the size of the hydraulic pump and the types of actuators being powered, power transfer system 674 can also include a hydraulic fluid cooler 612 to provide cooling of the fluid before return to reservoir 604. For low flow types of actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, cooler 612 may not be required and can be omitted.

Referring now to FIG. 17, shown diagrammatically are certain components of a power machine 700 which provides power to an implement (shown in FIG. 18) mounted on the power machine. Power machine 700 is another example of the power machines 100, 200 or 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and discussed above. Accordingly, power machine 700 can include any of the features discussed above even if not illustrated in FIG. 17, and similar features of power machine 700 described below include reference numbers that are generally similar to those used in FIGS. 1-4. As such, implement interface 770 of power machine 700 has an implement carrier 772 configured to have an implement mounted thereon. Implement carrier 772 is mounted to a lift arm 734 of the power machine and is rotatable relative to the lift arm by a tilt actuator 735. A lift actuator (not shown), such as lift actuator 238 discussed above, moves lift arm 734 relative to a power machine frame 710. The lift actuator and tilt actuator can be electric actuators in embodiments where power machine 700 has an electric power source 320.

Power transfer system 774 transfers power from electric power system 322 (shown in FIG. 4) of the power source on the power machine to an attached implement under the control of the control system 360 discussed above. In exemplary embodiments, instead of only providing power conversion from electric power to hydraulic power to be provided at implement carrier 772, power transfer system 774 is configured as a hydraulic adapter or converter which mounts on implement carrier 772. In this embodiment, instead of mounting an implement 705 directly on implement carrier 772, a back side power transfer system 774 includes an implement carrier interface 776 configured to mount the power transfer system on the implement carrier 772. Power transfer system 774 also includes an adapter implement carrier 778 on a front side, opposite the back side of the power transfer system, for example similar in configuration to implement carrier 772. The implement carrier 778 is configured to mount an implement 705 to the power transfer system, and thereby to the implement carrier 772 and lift arm 734. Power transfer system 774 then is used to convert electrical power from power source 320 into hydraulic power for powering hydraulic actuators 782 on implement 705. This allows an electric power machine to use hydraulic implements, while allowing the power transfer system or adapter 774 to be easily removed from implement carrier 772 when electrically powered implements are to be used.

As shown in FIG. 18, power transfer system 774 includes a hydraulic pump 702 coupled to power source 320 to receive power from the power source. In exemplary embodiments, hydraulic pump 702 is an electrically driven hydraulic pump. Power transfer system 774 also includes a hydraulic reservoir 704 coupled to an input of the hydraulic pump which provides a source of hydraulic fluid for the pump, with an output of the hydraulic pump coupled to a first hydraulic coupler 706. Hydraulic coupler 706 is configured to be coupled to a first hydraulic coupler 784 on implement 705 when the implement is mounted on implement carrier 778 of the power transfer system to provide a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid for use in powering one or more implement actuators 782. A second coupler 708 of power transfer system 774 is configured to be coupled to a second coupler 786 on implement 705 to provide a return flow path to reservoir 704 for hydraulic fluid. In some embodiments, couplers 706 and 708 specifically, and implement carrier 778 generally, can be configured to include implement mounting and coupling features such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,397 entitled POWER ACTUATOR FOR ATTACHMENT PLATE and issued on Oct. 8, 1996, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,755 entitled IMPLEMENT INTERFACE and issued on Apr. 25, 2017, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,885,167 entitled IMPLEMENT INTERFACE and issued on Feb. 6, 2018, and in U.S. Pat. No. 11,255,070 entitled HYDRAULIC COUPLING and issued on Feb. 22, 2022. While automatic or quick coupling features can be used, couplers 706 and 708 need not be quick couplers in all embodiments.

As was the case with power transfer system 674, in power transfer system 774, the size of the hydraulic reservoir and of the hydraulic pump can vary depending upon the flow requirements of the one or more actuators 782. Further, depending upon factors such as the size of the hydraulic pump and the types of actuators being powered, power transfer system 774 can also include a hydraulic fluid cooler 712 to provide cooling of the fluid before return to reservoir 704.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR POWERING POWER MACHINE IMPLEMENTS

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