Quick coupler
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsAndrew L. Vering, Karl E. Lindenmuth, Richard K. Oswald
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A quick coupler includes mounting structure for mounting the coupler to a machine, and for mounting the coupler to an implement. The mounting structure on the coupler includes wedge coupling surfaces and a tube. The mounting structure on the implement includes hooks for engaging the tube, and complementary wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces wedge together during coupling to produce and tight fit and solid hold between the coupler and implement. The mounting structure is robust, and can accommodate future possible wear. The kinematic impact on the performance of the implement due to the use of the quick coupler is minimized.
Claims15
A coupler for coupling a first body to a second body comprising:
- attachment means for attaching the coupler to a first body;
- a tube adapted to be received in hooks on a second body;
- at least two wedges arranged for retraction and extension movement, and adapted to be extended into and retracted from wedge pockets formed on the second body,
- wedge coupling surfaces adapted to engage wedge coupling surfaces on the second body, the wedge coupling surfaces on the quick coupler forming an angle of between 60 and 44 degrees measured between a line passing through the center of the tube and through the wedge coupling surface, and a line parallel to the wedge coupling surface.
A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine, comprising:
- a frame including:
- a first plate-shaped member and a second plate shaped member;
- and
- a tube that extends between the first and second plate-shaped members;
- at least two wedges adapted to be extended from and retracted into the frame;
- at least two wedge coupling surfaces, each wedge couple surface configured to at least partially surround a corresponding wedge;
- wherein the wedge coupling surfaces form an angle of between 60 and 44 degrees measured between a line passing through the center of the tube and through the wedge coupling surface, and a line parallel to the wedge coupling surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.