Couplers of front-end loaders and like loader machines are known and typically comprise a body that is pivotally connected to first and second loader arm and that is also pivotally connected to one or more control links of the loader machine. The coupler is selectively mated with first and second spaced-apart ribs of an associated attachment such as a bucket or the like, and a lock system is provided for capturing the ribs of the associated attachment to the coupler body. These couplers have enjoyed widespread commercial success and are well-known in the art and provide a large benefit over conventional pin-on connection of the attachment to the loader arms and control link(s).
One drawback associated with such couplers is that the presence of the coupler body between the attachment and the loader arms and control link(s) of the loader machine alters the geometry of the relationship between the loader arms and control link(s) as compared to the original equipment (OE) specifications for direct pin-on pivoting connection of the attachment to the loader arms and control link(s). The coupler body also adds weight to the outer ends of the loader arms and can reduce operator visibility for certain types of attachments, e.g., forks or the like.
Accordingly, it has been deemed desirable to provide a new coupler and coupling system.
In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a loader coupling system includes an arm coupler and a link coupler each adapted to mate with an associated attachment. The arm coupler includes a body adapted to be connected to and extend between first and second spaced-apart arms of an associated loader machine. First and second plunger pins are located respectfully at opposite first and second ends of the body. At least one plunger actuator is operatively connected to the first and second plunger pins, and the at least one plunger actuator is selectively operative to move the first and second plunger pins between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second plunger pins project outward from the respective first and second opposite ends of the body a greater distance in the extended position as compared to the retracted position, wherein the first and second plunger pins are adapted to extend into apertures defined in first and second arm attachment ribs of the associated attachment, respectively, when the first and second plunger pins are located in the extended position. The link coupler includes a tilt link with a first end adapted to be pivotally connected to a control link of the associated loader machine and a second end including a hook adapted to selectively engage and retain a cross-pin of the associated attachment. A lock system is connected to the tilt link and is adapted to selectively capture the cross-pin of the associated attachment in the hook.
In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a method of connecting a coupler to a loader machine includes inserting first and second loader arm ends into first and second loader arm receiving areas of a coupler body. An inner end of a first plunger pin is inserted through a first plunger aperture of the coupler body and the inner end of the first plunger pin is slid through an arm aperture defined in the first loader arm end. An inner end of a second plunger pin is inserted through a second plunger aperture of the coupler body and the inner end of the second plunger pin is slid through an arm aperture defined in the second loader arm end. The inner ends of the first and second plunger pins are operatively connected to respective actuator rods of a plunger actuator system such that said first and second plunger pins capture the first and second loader arm ends in the first and second loader arm receiving areas of the coupler body, respectively.
In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a loader coupling system includes an arm coupler and a link coupler each adapted to mate with an associated attachment. The arm coupler includes a body connected to and extending between first and second spaced-apart arms of a loader machine. First and second plunger pins are located respectfully at opposite first and second ends of the body. At least one plunger actuator is operatively connected to the first and second plunger pins and is selectively operative to move the first and second plunger pins between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second plunger pins project outward from the respective first and second opposite ends of the body a greater distance in the extended position as compared to the retracted position, wherein the first and second plunger pins are adapted to extend into apertures defined in first and second arm attachment ribs of the associated attachment, respectively, when the first and second plunger pins are located in their extended positions. The link coupler includes a tilt link including a first end pivotally connected to a control link of the loader machine and a second end including a hook adapted to selectively engage and retain a cross-pin connected to the associated attachment. The link coupler also includes a lock system including a lock member for selectively capturing the cross-pin in the hook.
In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a coupler for releasably connecting an associated attachment to first and second spaced-apart loader arms of an associated loader machine includes a body adapted to be connected to and extend between first and second spaced-apart arms of an associated loader machine. First and second plunger pins are located respectfully at opposite first and second ends of said body. At least one plunger actuator is supported on the body and is operatively connected to the first and second plunger pins. The at least one plunger actuator is selectively operative to move the first and second plunger pins between a retracted position and an extended position. Respective outer ends of the first and second plunger pins project outward from the respective first and second opposite ends of the body such that first distance is defined between the outer ends of the first and second plunger pins when the first and second plunger pins are in their extended positions. A second distance that is less than the first distance is defined between the outer ends of the first and second plunger pins when the first and second plunger pins are moved to their retracted positions.
In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a construction attachment includes an attachment body for performing work. First and second vertical spaced-apart arm attachment ribs are connected to a rear face of the attachment body. The first and second arm attachment ribs include respective first and second apertures extending therethrough and adapted to receive respective first and second plunger pins of a first associated coupler component. A cross-pin is connected to the body centrally between the first and second arm attachment ribs. The cross-pin is spaced vertically above the first and second apertures and adapted to be engaged by a hook of a second associated coupler component.
In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a loader coupling system includes at least one arm coupler system including first and second plunger pins respectfully connected to first and second spaced-apart loader arm ends of an associated loader machine. First and second plunger actuators are operatively connected to the first and second plunger pins. The first and second plunger actuators are selectively operative to move the first and second plunger pins between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein a first distance is defined between outer ends of the first and second plunger pins when the first and second plunger pins are in their extended positions and a second distance is defined between the outer ends of the first and second plunger pins when the first and second plunger pins are in their retracted positions, wherein said second distance is less than said first distance and the first and second plunger pins are adapted to be received into respective apertures of first and second arm attachment ribs of an associated attachment when the first and second plunger pins are located in their extended positions.
In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a method of connecting an attachment to a loader machine includes positioning first and second loader arm ends respectively adjacent first and second arm attachment ribs of an attachment. The method further includes using at least one hydraulic actuator to move first and second plunger pins that are respectively connected to the first and second loader arm ends from a retracted position to an extended position, such that the first and second plunger pins are respectively inserted into apertures of the first and second arm attachment ribs. A tilt link is positioned such that a cross-pin of the attachment is received in an hook located at a second end of the tilt link, wherein a first end of the tilt link is pivotally connected to a control link of the loader machine and wherein the positioning includes using a hydraulic actuator to vary the angular position of the tilt link relative to the control link. A hydraulic lock actuator connected to the tilt link is operated to move a lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position, wherein the lock member captures the attachment cross-pin in the hook when the lock member is in its locked position.
The attachment-side coupling structure AQ comprises first (left) and second (right) vertical arm ribs AR1,AR2 that are arranged parallel and spaced-apart relative to each other. The attachment-side coupling structure AQ further comprises first (left) and second (right) vertical link ribs LR1,LR2 that are arranged parallel and spaced-apart relative to each other, located between the arm ribs AR1,AR2 (the mid-point between the link ribs LR1,LR2 is preferably coincident with the mid-point between the arm ribs AR1,AR2).
The arm ribs AR1,AR2 comprise respective inner vertical faces V. The arm ribs AR1,AR2 further comprise respective horizontal apertures AP1,AP2 that are aligned with each other. Likewise, the link ribs LR1, LR2 comprise respective horizontal apertures LP1,LP2 that are aligned with each other. A link cross-pin XP is inserted and secured in the link rib apertures LP1,LP2 so that the cross-pin XP extends between the link ribs LR1,LR2. The cross-pin XP can comprise a non-rotatable pin that extends between the link ribs LR1,LR2 and an external rotatable sleeve that is coaxially mounted about the non-rotatable pin. The rotatable sleeve can be a greased part or a never-grease type rotatable sleeve.
The attachment 10C further comprises first (left) and second (right) stop blocks SB1,SB2 (
The loader-side coupling structure LQ selectively mates with and releasably engages the attachment-side coupling structure AQ of the attachment 10C to operably secure the attachment 10C to the loader arms LA,RA and control link LL for performing work with the attachment body AB.
The arm coupler 10A is shown by itself in
The arm coupler 10A further includes first (left) and second (right) cylindrical plunger pins 26a,26b located in the recess 22 at the first and second ends 20a,20b, respectively. The plunger pins are coaxially arranged on a locking axis X. At least one actuator, such as the illustrated dual-rod, double-acting hydraulic cylinder 28, is connected to the body 20 in the recess 22 between the plunger pins 26a,26b (the actuator 28 is sometimes referred to herein as a “plunger actuator”). The plunger actuator 28 comprises first and second rods 29a,29b (
Referring again specifically to
In the illustrated embodiment, the arm coupler 10A is releasably connected to the first and second loader arms LA,RA. With reference also to
In an alternative embodiment, the hydraulic locking cylinder 28 or other locking actuator of the arm coupler 10A can be provided by first and second separate independent cylinders 28A,28B (see broken lines in
As seen, e.g., in
The tilt link 40 is shown by itself in
An alternative tilt link 140 is shown by itself in
Unlike conventional loader couplers, the position of the hook 42,142 of the tilt link 40,140 is movable relative to the locking axis X such that the distance between the hook 42,142 and the axis X is variable. This allows for the loader side coupler LQ to mate with a variety of different attachment side coupler structures AQ each with a different spacing between the cross-pin XP and the arm attachment rib apertures AP1,AP2 thereof.
To couple the attachment 10C to a loader machine, the arm coupler 10A is typically first moved into abutment with the stop blocks SB1,SB2 and the hook 42,142 of the link coupler 10B is moved so that the cross-pin XP is received therein. The attachment 10C is then rolled-back (using the link coupler 10B) and, in response to a switch controlled by the operator, hydraulic pressure is supplied simultaneously to: (i) the actuator 28 to extend the plunder pins 26a,26b of the arm coupler 10A; and, (ii) the lock actuator 46,146 of the link coupler 10B to extend the lock wedge/member 44,144 (decoupling can be performed in the reverse order, typically also with simultaneous actuation of the arm coupler actuator 28 and link coupler actuator 46,146 to retract the plunger pins 26a,26b and lock wedge/member 44,144 in response to operator control).
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the desire, in certain applications, for the attachment 10C to be coupled to the loader arms LA,RA and control link LL with zero deviation or offset relative to the loader machine OEM specified pin-on location for an attachment of the type and size of the attachment body AB. In such case, the location of each arm rib aperture AP1,AP2 and the location of the link cross-pin XP, and the configuration of the link coupler 10B and arm coupler 10A are conformed, dimensioned and/or arranged relative to each other such that when an attachment 10C is operatively coupled to the loader arms LA,RA and control link LL using the arm coupler 10A and link coupler 10B, the position and operation of the attachment body AB relative to a reference point on the arms LA,RA and/or control link LL (e.g., relative to the centers of the arm apertures E) is identical to the loader OEM specified pin-on geometry for a pin-on attachment including the same size and type of attachment body AB. In other applications, it is desirable to vary the geometry relative to the OEM specified pin-on location for an attachment of the size and type of the attachment body AB (e.g., for added break-out force or other performance attributes), in which case, the location of each arm rib aperture AP1,AP2 and the location of the link cross-pin XP, and the configuration of the link coupler 10B and arm coupler 10A are conformed, dimensioned and/or arranged relative to each other such that when an attachment 10C is operatively coupled to the loader arms LA,RA and control link LL using the arm coupler 10A and link coupler 10B, the position and operation of the attachment body AB relative to a reference point on the arms LA,RA and/or control link LL is altered as desired relative to the loader OEM specified pin-on geometry.
It is also important to recognize that the arm coupler 10A can be releasably connected to the loader arms LA,RA (as illustrated herein) or can alternatively be permanently affixed to the loader arms LA,RA as by welding or the like, and/or the loader arms LA,RA can be manufactured with the arm coupler 10A integral therewith. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment and such alternative embodiments, the arm coupler 10A can be provided as two separate and completely disconnected arm couplers as represented at 10A1 and 10A2 and by dividing line Z in
In an alternative embodiment, a zero offset loader coupling system formed in accordance with the present development omits the link coupler 10B and replaces it with a second arm coupler 10A (or a variation thereof as described herein). In other words, the loader-side coupling system LQ can comprise one arm coupler 10A as described above, or first and second arm couplers 10A with one arm coupler 10A carried by the loader arms LA,RA as described above and with the other arm coupler 10A carried by left and right arms or links that are positioned vertically above the left and right loader arms LA,RA, e.g., in an arrangement often referred to as a tool-carrier. In such case, the attachment 10C is structured to include the first arm coupling structure/location AC1 and the second arm coupling structure/location AC2 and, instead of the link coupling structure/location LC, the attachment 10C will include third and fourth arm coupling structures and locations that are structured similar and correspondingly to the first and second arm coupling structures/locations AC1,AC2, respectively, and that are positioned to mate with the second arm coupler 10A.
Also, in another alternative embodiment, the zero offset loader coupling system can comprise one or more arm couplers 10A without including the link coupler(s) 10B, and/or can comprise one or more link couplers 10B without including the arm coupler(s) 10A. In such case, for example, an arm coupler 10A can be used for operative connection of an attachment 10C to the loader arms LA,RA, while a conventional pin-on link or other connection can be used to operatively connect the attachment 10C to the control link LL or the like, or a link coupler 10B can be used for operative connection of an attachment 10C to the loader control link LL while a conventional pin-on or other connection is used to operatively connect the attachment 10C to the loader arms LA,RA.
The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/436,350 filed May 6, 2009, which is now assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,240,970 and which claims priority from and benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/051,172 filed May 7, 2008, and the entire disclosure of each said prior application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present specification.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20130045073 A1 | Feb 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61051172 | May 2008 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12436350 | May 2009 | US |
Child | 13584255 | US |