US 5,147,173 A · Coupling device

Abstract

Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with quick coupling devices that allow them to change work implements in a relatively rapid fashion when compared to changing conventionally mounted implements. In most cases, the performance of the work implement is sacrificed to accommodate the ability to change implements quickly. In other cases the level performance is satisfactorily maintained, but the actuation of the coupling mechanism must be done manually or has no ability to accommodate loosening between the coupler and the work implement that can result from normal operation. The coupling device of the present invention allows an operator to change implements from his position within his operating station, yet maintain a structure that will not sacrifice the performance of his work implements through alteration of the linkage arrangement or through the additional weight. The locking means between the coupler and the implement are positioned for the optimum transferal of force between the components and includes a means which will continually take up any loosening that may occur through wear or operational loading.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A coupling device for securing a linkage arrangement having a pair of connecting links to a work implement having a pair of mounting plates, with the connecting links positioned in linear alignment with respect to the mounting plates, comprising:

means for locking the respective connecting links to the mounting plates, said locking means being secured to each of the respective connecting links in a manner to position it in linear alignment with the respective connecting links and the mounting plates;
a pair of fluid actuators, each actuator mounted on a respective connecting link in overlying, linear alignment with respect thereto and being connected to the locking means to selectively move the locking means between a first position wherein the locking means is disengaged from the mounting plates and a second position wherein the locking means is engaged with the mounting plates;
and
means for biasing the locking means toward its second position, said biasing means being attached to the respective locking means associated with each connecting link in such a manner that the biasing means is located substantially on the same lateral plane as the locking means and slightly offset from the respective actuator and from alignment with the respective connecting link and mounting plate.

1 more element

A coupling device for a linkage arrangement having a pair of connecting links that are adapted to engage a pair of mounting plates defined by a work implement in overlying, linear relation thereto, comprising:

a pair of locking members, each locking member mounted on a respective connecting link in linear alignment with the respective connecting link and mounting plate and being moveable with respect thereto between a first position wherein each locking member is removed from engagement with the respective mounting plate and a second position wherein each locking member is engaged with the respective mounting plate;
a pair of fluid actuators, each actuator mounted on the respective connecting link in overlying, linear alignment with the respective connecting link and mounting plate;
means for providing fluid under pressure to each of the fluid actuators to permit the selective movement of each locking member between its first and second positions;
means for biasing the respective locking members toward their second position, each of said biasing means being operatively engaged with its respective locking member and being positioned laterally adjacent its respective locking member and fluid actuator;
means for manually disengaging the respective locking members from contact with the respective mounting plates, said disengaging means being engageable with the locking members in a manner that is in direct opposition to the biasing means to move each locking member towards its first position;
and
means for indicating the position of the locking members, said indicating means being operatively connected to the locking members for movement therewith.

4 more elements

A coupling device for securing a linkage arrangement having a pair of connecting links to a work implement having a pair of mounting plates, comprising:

a pair of locking members, each locking member mounted on a respective connecting link in linear alignment with the respective connecting link and mounting plate and being moveable between a first position wherein the locking members and connecting links are moveable relative to the work implement and a second position wherein the locking members are engaged with the mounting plates of the work implement to couple the connecting links thereto;
a pair of fluid actuators, each actuator mounted on the respective connecting link in overlying, linear alignment with the respective connecting link and mounting plate to provide movement of the locking members between their first and second positions;
means for biasing the locking members toward their second position, said biasing means being attached to the respective locking members associated with the respective connecting links in such a manner that the biasing means is located substantially on the same lateral plane as the locking members and slightly offset from alignment with the respective connecting links and the mounting plates;
means for providing pressurized fluid to each of the fluid actuators in a first condition wherein the fluid is directed to the fluid actuators at a first, actuating pressure to selectively move the locking members between their first and second positions, and a second condition wherein the fluid is directed to the fluid actuators at a second, maintaining pressure to continually urge the locking members continually toward their second position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Coupling device

Life of this patent

Coupling device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20