U.S. patent application number 11/314353 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for arm assembly for excavation apparatus and method of using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to JRB Attachments, LLC. Invention is credited to Ray S. Fatemi.
Application Number | 20060107557 11/314353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30003182 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060107557 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fatemi; Ray S. |
May 25, 2006 |
Arm assembly for excavation apparatus and method of using same
Abstract
An arm assembly for an excavator includes an arm comprising a
first hook including a first open mouth. The arm further includes a
first pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the first
open mouth. A link is movable relative to said arm and comprises a
second hook including a second open mouth. The second open mouth is
oriented toward the arm, and the link further comprises a second
pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the second open
mouth. The first and second pin assemblies of an attachment are
selectively captured in the first and second hooks. The pin
assemblies include a sleeve rotatably positioned on an attachment
pin that extends between ribs of the attachment. The sleeve
includes a bore that closely receives the attachment pin and the
length of the sleeve is selected so that the sleeve fits closely
between the attachment ribs, thereby allowing the arm assembly to
pick-up various attachments with different pin diameters, ribs
spacings and pin-to-pin distances. The arm assembly can be coupled
to and decoupled from an associated attachment by an operator
without assistance from a ground crew.
Inventors: |
Fatemi; Ray S.; (Fairlawn,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven M. Haas;Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
Seventh Foor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2579
US
|
Assignee: |
JRB Attachments, LLC
Cedar Rapids
IA
|
Family ID: |
30003182 |
Appl. No.: |
11/314353 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10601727 |
Jun 23, 2003 |
6996926 |
|
|
11314353 |
Dec 21, 2005 |
|
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|
60391062 |
Jun 24, 2002 |
|
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60411181 |
Sep 16, 2002 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
37/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/591 20150115;
Y10T 403/598 20150115; E02F 3/3622 20130101; Y10T 403/22 20150115;
E02F 3/3663 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/466 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/00 20060101
E02F003/00 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. An attachment comprising: a body; first and second spaced-apart
ribs connected to said body; first and second spaced-apart pins
extending between said first and second ribs; first and second
sleeves rotatably positioned on said first and second pins, wherein
said first and second sleeves each comprise: first and second
bearing surfaces that are oriented outwardly away from each other
and that are located adjacent and adapted for sliding engagement
with said first and second ribs, respectively; a first seal
projecting outwardly from said first bearing surface for sealingly
engaging said first rib; and, a second seal projecting outwardly
from said second bearing surface for sealingly engaging said second
rib.
23. The attachment as set forth in claim 22, wherein said first and
second pins are restrained against rotation relative to said first
and second ribs.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. A sleeve for connection to an associated attachment pin, said
sleeve comprising: a tubular portion comprising a cylindrical outer
surface and defining a through-bore adapted for receipt of the
associated attachment pin; first and second spacers connected to
opposite first and second ends of said tubular portion, said first
and second spacers defining respective first and second bearing
surfaces that face outwardly away from each other; and, first and
second seals connected to said first and second spacers and
overhanging said first and second bearing surfaces,
respectively.
27. The sleeve as set forth in claim 26, wherein said first and
second spacers each comprises at least one lubrication channel
defined therein and in communication with said through bore.
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. An apparatus comprising an arm assembly and an attachment
operably connected to said arm assembly, wherein: said arm assembly
comprises: (i) an arm comprising a first hook including a first
open mouth, said arm further comprising a first pin capturing
member that selectively captures a first associated pin in said
first hook; and, (ii) a link movably connected to said arm and
comprising a second hook that includes a second open mouth oriented
toward said arm, said link further comprising a second pin
capturing member that selectively captures a second associated pin
in said second hook, wherein said first and second pin capturing
members are operatively connected to first and second hydraulic
actuators; and, said attachment comprises: a body; first and second
spaced apart ribs connected to said body; and first and second pin
assemblies extending between said first and second ribs, said first
and second pin assemblies comprising first and second sleeves
surrounding first and second pins, said first and second sleeves
each comprising: first and second bearing surfaces that are
oriented outwardly away from each other and that are located
adjacent and adapted for sliding engagement with said first and
second ribs, respectively; a first seal projecting outwardly from
said first bearing surface for sealingly engaging said first rib;
and, a second seal projecting outwardly from said second bearing
surface for sealingly engaging said second rib.
31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said first and
second pins are restrained against rotation relative to said first
and second ribs.
32. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said first and
second sleeves each comprise: a tubular portion defining a through
bore; first and second spacers connected to opposite first and
second ends of said tubular portion, said first and second spacers
respectively defining said first and second bearing surfaces.
33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said first and
second spacers each comprise at least one lubrication channel
defined therein in communication with said through bore.
34. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said first and
second sleeves are freely rotatable relative to said first and
second pins, respectively.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S.
provisional application No. 60/391,062 filed Jun. 24, 2002 and U.S.
provisional application No. 60/411,181 filed Sep. 16, 2002, and
both of said applications are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to construction,
excavation and/or other heavy machinery such as excavators,
backhoes and the like that include an arm assembly comprising an
arm or "stick" and a control link, each or which is adapted for
pivotable connection to an associated attachment such as a bucket
or other implement for performing work, and all such machines are
referred to herein as "excavation apparatus" of "excavators." The
control link is operably coupled to a hydraulic cylinder or other
actuator, and the position of the control link as controlled by the
actuator controls the angular position of the attachment relative
to the arm, i.e., extension and retraction of the control link
results in curling and roll-back of the attachment,
respectively.
[0003] To improve the utility and versatility of such excavation
apparatus, it is most desirable that various implements be
conveniently and reliably coupled to the arm. This, then, allows a
single excavation apparatus to be employed with any one of a wide
variety of attachments as desired. However, given the size and
weight of the attachments, and the close tolerances of all
connection points, changing of attachments at the end of the arm of
an excavator has been found to be time-consuming, difficult and
inconvenient.
[0004] In a most basic arrangement, the attachments are manually
pinned to the excavator arm and any associated fluid cylinders.
Such operation necessarily requires manual removal and replacement
of multiple pins to achieve the desired engagement.
[0005] More recently, quick-coupler devices have been developed and
have enjoyed widespread commercial success. One suitable coupling
is commercially available from JRB Company, Inc., Akron, Ohio under
the trademark SmartLoc.TM.. Such quick-couplers are pivotally
pinned to the distal end of the arm and control link in the same
manner as an attachment. Once a quick-coupler is operatively pinned
in position, first and second recesses thereof are adapted for
selective connection to first and second pins of any of a wide
variety of associated attachments in a convenient and secure manner
without removal of the first and second pins.
[0006] Although these quick-couplers are highly effective and
convenient, they add weight to the excavator arm and also elongate
the arm, the combination of which can lead to a decrease in
excavator performance in certain circumstances. The additional
weight of the quick coupling can decrease the lifting capacity of
the excavator. The outward movement of the attachment can also
reduce lifting capacity and can change the performance
characteristics of the attachment.
[0007] As such, a need has been identified for an attachment
quick-coupling apparatus that provides the advantages of
conventional quick-coupler apparatus without many of the drawbacks
associated with same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
an arm assembly for an excavator includes an arm comprising a first
hook including a first open mouth. The arm further includes a first
pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the first open
mouth. A link is movable relative to said arm and comprises a
second hook including a second open mouth. The second open mouth is
oriented toward the arm, and the link further comprises a second
pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the second open
mouth.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
an arm assembly for a machine includes an arm comprising a first
hook including a first open mouth. The arm further comprises a
first pin capturing system that selectively captures a first
associated pin in the first hook. A link is movably connected to
the arm and comprises a second hook that includes a second open
mouth. The second open mouth is oriented toward the arm and the
link further comprises a second pin capturing system that
selectively captures a second associated pin in the second
hook.
[0010] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an
apparatus comprises an arm assembly and an attachment operably
connected to the arm assembly. The arm assembly comprises: (i) an
arm comprising a first hook including a first open mouth and
further comprising a first pin capturing member that selectively
captures a first associated pin in the first hook; and, (ii) a link
movably connected to the arm and comprising a second hook that
includes a second open mouth, and further comprising a second pin
capturing member that selectively captures a second associated pin
in said second hook; The attachment comprises: first and second
attachment pin assemblies. The first attachment pin assembly is
non-rotatably captured in the first hook by the first pin capturing
member, and the second attachment pin assembly is non-rotatably
captured in the second hook by the second pin capturing member.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
attachment comprises a body and first and second spaced-apart ribs
connected to the body. First and second spaced-apart pins extend
between the first and second ribs. First and second sleeves are
rotatably positioned on the first and second pins.
[0012] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, a sleeve for connection to an attachment pin includes a
tubular portion comprising a cylindrical outer surface and defining
a through-bore adapted for receipt of an attachment pin. First and
second spacers are connected to opposite first and second ends of
the tubular portion. The first and second spacers define respective
first and second bearing surfaces that face outwardly away from
each other. First and second seals are connected to said first and
second spacers and overhanging the first and second bearing
surfaces, respectively.
[0013] In accordance with a still further aspect of the present
invention, a method of coupling an attachment to an arm assembly
comprises moving a first open hook into engagement with a first pin
of an attachment. The first open hook located at an end of an arm.
A first pin capturing system is engaged to capture the first pin
non-rotatably in the first open hook. The arm is moved to lift the
attachment so that the attachment hangs freely from the arm by way
of the first pin. The arm is pivoted and the link is moved relative
to the arm so that a second open hook located at an end of the link
moves into engagement with a second pin of the attachment. A second
pin capturing system is engaged to capture the second pin
non-rotatably in the second open hook.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention comprises various components and arrangements
of components, and comprises various steps and arrangements of
steps, preferred embodiments of which are disclosed herein with
reference to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and
wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a right side elevational view of an arm assembly
formed in accordance with the present invention and including an
arm and a control link both formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a left side elevational view of the arm assembly
shown in FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 1C illustrates an attachment to be operatively coupled
to the arm assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B to perform work, wherein the
attachment includes pin sleeves in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side elevational views that illustrate
the nose portion of an arm formed in accordance with the present
invention, in an unlocked and locked condition, respectively;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of a pin capture member
that forms a part of the nose portion shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B;
[0020] FIG. 3B is a view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3A;
[0021] FIG. 3C illustrates a mechanical lock pin formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the control link portion of
the arm assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0023] FIGS. 4B and 4C are side elevational views of the control
link shown in FIG. 4A in an unlocked and locked state,
respectively;
[0024] FIGS. 5A and 5B are top plan and side elevational views of a
frame portion of the control link shown in FIGS. 4A-4C;
[0025] FIGS. 6A and 6B are top plan and side elevational views of a
pin capture member that forms a part of the control link shown in
FIGS. 4A-4C;
[0026] FIGS. 7A-7C diagrammatically illustrate an attachment
coupling/decoupling method in accordance with the present
invention;
[0027] FIGS. 7D and 7E illustrate an arm assembly formed in
accordance with the present invention and an associated attachment
operably coupled thereto in first and second operative positions,
respectively;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a pin sleeve formed in
accordance with the present invention that is usable with the arm
assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 1C and showing
the pin sleeve of FIG. 8 in an operative state;
[0030] FIGS. 10A and 10B are side elevational views of an
alternative control link formed in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that the present invention and the
components thereof, unless otherwise noted herein, are preferably
constructed from suitable metals such as various high-strength
steels and alloys. Also, in the drawings, some hidden components
are shown in broken lines while others are shown in solid lines for
clarity and ease of understanding the development.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an arm assembly for an
excavation apparatus such as an excavator or backhoe of the like is
illustrated generally at A. The arm assembly A comprises, among
other features, an arm or dipper-stick 10, a control link 12, and
an attachment control cylinder 14. The arm 10 includes a first end
20 and an opposite second end 22. The first end 20 includes or
defines first and second mounting bores 24,26 to be secured by a
pin-on connection to a boom (not shown) and an arm control cylinder
(not shown), respectively. The second end 22 of the arm 10
comprises a nose 28 formed in accordance with the present invention
as described below.
[0033] The attachment control cylinder 14 includes a first end 16
pivotally secured to the arm 10 by a pin-on connection and includes
a selectively-extensible rod 18 pivotally secured to the attachment
control link 12 by a pin-on connection. First and second guide or
"bone" links 30a,30b are located on opposite lateral sides of the
arm 10 and are pivotally secured at their opposite ends to the
attachment control link 12 and the arm 10. The rod 18 of the
cylinder 14 is selectively extensible and retractable linearly to
effect movement of the attachment control link 12 relative to the
nose 28 of the arm 10 (see FIGS. 7D,7E).
[0034] FIG. 1C illustrates an associated attachment AT to be
operatively secured to the arm assembly A. The attachment AT (shown
herein as a bucket for moving earth or the like) comprises a body B
for performing work and first and second parallel (meaning exactly
or substantially parallel) spaced-apart pin assemblies PA1,PA2 that
extend between first and second ribs R1,R2 (see also FIG. 9) that
are connected to the body B. FIG. 9 shows the pin assembly PA2 is
detail and the pin assembly PA1 is correspondingly constructed as
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
this specification. As shown in FIG. 9, the pin assembly PA2
comprises a conventional attachment pin P2 and a sleeve PS that
coaxially surrounds same. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the pin
assembly PA1 comprises a conventional attachment pin P1 and a
sleeve PS that coaxially surrounds same. The pin assemblies PA1,PA2
are described in further detail below. As used herein, the term
"pin" is intended to refer to a conventional pin and/or a pin
assembly PA1,PA2 as described herein.
[0035] With reference also to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the nose 28 of arm
10 defines or otherwise includes a first open pin-receiving hook or
recess H1 adapted to receive the attachment pin assembly PA1 with a
close fit. The hook H1 includes a mouth 42 that opens in a first
direction through an inner side S1 of the arm 10 that is oriented
inward toward the excavation machine and/or downward toward the
ground when the arm assembly A is in use.
[0036] Referring also to FIGS. 4A-4C, the control link 12 defines
or otherwise includes a second open pin-receiving hook or recess H2
adapted to receive the attachment pin assembly PA2 with a close
fit. The hook H2 includes a mouth 142 that opens through an inner
side S2 of the link 12 that is oriented toward the arm 10.
[0037] The nose 28 of the arm 10 comprises a first pin-capturing
system C1 (FIGS. 2A, 2B) for selective capturing the first pin
assembly PA1 in the first hook H1. The attachment control link 12
comprises a second pin-capturing system C2 (FIGS. 4A-4C) for
selective capturing the second pin assembly PA2 in the second hook
H2. When the pin assemblies PA1,PA2 are captured in the respective
hooks H1,H2, the bucket or other associated attachment AT is said
to be operatively connected or coupled to the arm assembly A, and,
in this operative state, the rod 18 of the attachment control
cylinder 14 is selectively extended and retracted to pivot the
attachment AT relative to the arm 10 between a first operative
position (often referred to as a "dump" or "roll-back" position) as
shown in FIG. 7D, and a second operative position (often referred
to as a "full-curl" position) as shown in FIG. 7E.
[0038] With specific reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first
pin capturing system C1 of the nose 28 comprises a first pin
capture member 40 that is movably connected to a frame 28f of the
nose 28 and adapted for movement between a first or "unlock"
position (FIG. 2A) and a second or "lock" position (FIG. 2B). In
the first position, the pin capture member 40 is retracted relative
to the hook H1 and, more particularly, relative to the open mouth
42 of the hook H1 so that the mouth 42 is unobstructed by the pin
capture member 40. The term "unobstructed" is intended to define a
condition where the pin capture member 40 is positioned so that it
does not prevent movement of the first associated attachment pin
assembly PA1 into and out of the first hook H1 via mouth 42. Thus,
when the pin capture member 40 is in its first position, the
associated attachment pin assembly PA1 is freely insertable in and
removable from the hook H1 via mouth 42. Depending upon the
dimensions and conformation of the hook H1 and mouth 42, the first
pin capture member 40 can be completely retracted from the mouth 42
as is preferred or it can partially extend into the mouth 42 even
when it is located in the first operative "retracted" position.
[0039] FIG. 2B shows the pin capture member 40 moved to its second
operative or "extended" position as where it captures the pin
assembly PA1 in the hook H1. In the extended position, the pin
capture member at least partially blocks the open mouth 42 of the
hook H1 to prevent the pin assembly PA1 from exiting the hook H1
through the mouth 42. In a most preferred embodiment, as
illustrated, the first pin capture member 40 completely blocks the
open mouth 42 of the hook H1 when moved to its second operative
position and also closely engages the pin assembly PA1 to thereby
capture the pin assembly PA1 in the hook H1. The pin capture member
40 preferably includes a C-shaped pin retainer 44 defining a
partially-cylindrical recess 46 that closely receives and partially
surrounds the pin assembly PA1 when the pin capturing member 40 is
fully extended in its second operative position. The recess 46 and
a partially cylindrical inner surface H1a of the hook H1 cooperate
to encircle at least a majority (i.e., encircle more than 180 and
most preferably at least 270 degrees of) the pin assembly PA1 when
the pin capturing member 40 is extended. Furthermore, the tip 30 of
the nose 28 defines a slot 32 that opens into the hook H1 and also
outwardly through the tip 30 so that the slot 32 is open at its
opposite ends. The C-shaped pin retainer portion 44 of the pin
capture member 40 includes first and second tips 48a,48b, and the
tip 48b is preferably received in the open slot 32 when the pin
capture member 40 is extended as shown in FIG. 2B. The open slot 32
is self-cleaning in that the tip 48b urges dirt and debris out of
the open slot 32 as it moves into the slot 32. When the pin capture
member 40 is extended, engagement of the tip 48b in the slot 32
adds strength to the pin capturing system C1 in that forces exerted
by the pin assembly PA1 on the pin capture member 40 will be
partially transmitted to the tip 30 of the nose 28.
[0040] The first pin capture member 40 is shown by itself in FIGS.
3A and 3B. It is noted that the tip 48b is beveled or chamfered so
that, when the member 40 is extended, the tip 48b acts as a wedge
to urge the pin assembly PA1 further into the hook H1 if the pin is
not already fully seated in the hook. As noted, when the member 40
is fully extended, the pin retainer 44 (in particular the portion
thereof defining the recess 46) also engages the pin assembly PA1
and urges same fully into the hook H1 so that the pin assembly PA1
contacts the hook inner surface H1a.
[0041] It is most preferred that the pin capturing member 40 be
slidably movable to and between its first and second operative
positions by means of an actuator such as hydraulic or other fluid
cylinder L1 or another suitable actuator such as a hydraulic screw
actuator or the like that is operably connected between an anchor
point and the pin capturing member 40. In the illustrated
embodiment, a cross-pin CP1 extends laterally between and is
secured in aligned apertures in nose 28 and the cylinder L1 is
connected thereto. Manual movement of the pin capture member 40 is
also contemplated (by disconnecting it from the cylinder L1) and
deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. In the
illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder L1 includes a rod R1
that connects to a aperture, yoke or other mounting location 50 on
the member 40. The rod R1 extends and retracts linearly (compare
FIGS. 2A and 2B) to move the first pin capture member 40 connected
thereto correspondingly.
[0042] The first pin capture member 40 further comprises a stop
portion 52 including or defining a stop surface 54. The arm
assembly A preferably comprises a stop-pin SP (see also FIG. 3C),
and first and second stop-pin-receiving locations 60a,60b are
defined by the nose 28. The first location 60a, where the pin is
shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, is merely an inoperative pin-storage
position. When the pin capture member 40 is moved fully to its
second operative (fully extended) position as shown in FIG. 2B, the
stop surface 54 is located adjacent the location 60b so that when
the stop-pin SP is inserted into the second pin-receiving location
60b, the stop-pin SP engages the stop surface 54 and prevents
movement of the pin capture member 40 from the second operative
position back to the first operative position, even under force of
the actuator L1. In the event the cylinder L1 is rendered
inoperable, the pin capture member 40 can be moved manually to the
extended position and the stop pin SP can be used as described to
hold the pin capture member 40 in its extended position during use
of the arm assembly A. The stop-pin SP (FIG. 3B) includes a
cross-bore SP-B that receives a ring, pin or other member that
prevents unintended movement of the stop-pin out of either
pin-receiving location 60a,60b. The stop-pin SP is tapered at its
insertion end to facilitate its insertion.
[0043] The nose 28 of arm 10 preferably includes or defines a lift
eye LE integrated into its frame 28f. This lift eye LE provides an
attachment point for a chain or the like as used for lifting
articles or other uses.
[0044] As noted, an arm assembly A formed in accordance with the
present invention comprises both the arm 10 (including nose 28) and
the control link 12. With specific reference now to FIGS. 4B and
4C, the second pin capturing system C2 of the control link 12
comprises a second pin capture member 140 that is movably connected
to a frame 12f of the link 12 and adapted for movement between a
first operative "unlock" position (FIGS. 4A,4B) and a second
operative "lock" position (FIG. 4C). In the first operative
position, the pin capture member 140 is retracted relative to the
hook H2 and, more particularly, the open mouth 142 of the hook H2
so that the mouth 142 is unobstructed by the pin capture member
140. The term "unobstructed" is intended to define a condition
where the pin capture member 140 is positioned so that it does not
prevent movement of the second associated attachment pin assembly
PA2 into and out of the second hook H2 via mouth 142. Thus, when
the pin capture member 140 is in its first operative or "unlock"
position, the pin assembly PA2 is freely insertable in and
removable from the second hook H2 via second mouth 142.
[0045] FIG. 4C shows the second pin capture member 140 in its
second operative "lock" position as where it captures the second
pin assembly PA2 in the second hook H2. In this second operative
position, the pin capture member 140 at least partially blocks the
open mouth 142 of the hook H2 to prevent the pin assembly PA2 from
exiting the hook H2 through the mouth 142.
[0046] In a most preferred embodiment as illustrated, the pin
capture member 140 completely blocks the open mouth 142 of the hook
H2 when it is moved to its second operative position and also
closely engages the pin assembly PA2 to thereby capture same in the
hook H2. As shown, the pin capture member 140 (shown separately in
FIGS. 6A,6B) preferably includes a pin retainer 144 defining a
curved, preferably partially-cylindrical recess 146 that closely
engages the pin assembly PA2 when the pin capturing member 140 is
fully extended. The recess 146 and a partially cylindrical inner
surface H2a of the hook H2 cooperate to encircle at least a
majority of (i.e., encircle more than 180 degrees and most
preferably at least 250 degrees of) the pin assembly PA2 when the
pin capturing member 140 is extended. Furthermore, as also shown, a
tip 130 of the link 12 defines a slot 132 that opens into the hook
H2 and also outwardly through the tip 130 so that the slot 132 is
open at its opposite ends. The pin retainer portion 144 of the pin
capture member 140 includes a tongue 148, and a tip portion of the
tongue is received in the open slot 132 when the pin capture member
140 is extended as shown in FIG. 4C. The open slot 132 is
self-cleaning in that the tongue 148 moves dirt and debris out of
the open slot 132 as it moves into the slot 132. When the pin
capture member 140 is extended, engagement of the tongue 148 in the
slot 132 adds strength to the pin capturing system C1 in that
forces exerted by the pin assembly PA2 on the pin capture member
140 will be partially transmitted to the tip 130 of the link 12. It
is noted that the tongue 148 is beveled or chamfered so that, when
the member 140 is extended, the tongue 148 acts as a wedge to urge
the pin assembly PA2 further into the hook H2 if the pin assembly
is not already fully seated in the hook. As noted, when the member
140 is fully extended, the pin retainer 144 (in particular the
portion thereof defining the recess 146) also engages the pin
assembly PA2 and acts as a ramp to urge the pin assembly fully into
the hook H2 so that the pin assembly makes hard contact with the
inner surface H2a.
[0047] It is most preferred that the pin capturing member 140 be
slidably movable to and between its retracted and extended position
by means of a hydraulic or other fluid cylinder L2 or other
actuator such as a hydraulic screw actuator operably connected
between the link frame 12f and the pin capturing member/retainer
140. Manual movement of the pin capture member 140 is also
contemplated and deemed to be within the scope of the present
invention. As shown, the cylinder L2 includes a rod R2 that
connects to a aperture, yoke or other location 150 on the member
140. The rod R2 extends and retracts linearly (compare FIGS. 4A and
4C).
[0048] The pin capture member 140 further comprises a stop portion
152 including or defining a stop surface 154. Like the arm 10, the
link 12 preferably also comprises a stop-pin SP as shown separately
in FIG. 3B, and first and second stop-pin-receiving locations
160a,160b are defined by the link frame 12f. The first location
160a, where the pin is located in FIGS. 4A-4C, is merely an
inoperative pin storage position. However, when the pin capture
member 140 is moved fully to its second operative position as shown
in FIG. 4C, the stop surface 154 thereof is located adjacent the
pin-receiving location 160b so that when the stop-pin SP is
inserted into the location 160b, the stop-pin SP engages the stop
surface 154 and prevents movement of the pin capture member 140
from its second operative position to its first operative position.
In the event the cylinder L2 is rendered inoperable, the pin
capture member 140 can be moved manually to its extended position
and the stop pin SP can be used in the described manner to hold the
pin capture member 140 in its extended position during use of the
arm assembly A. As noted above, the stop-pin SP (FIG. 3B) includes
a cross-bore SP-B that receives a ring, pin or other member that
prevents unintended movement of the stop-pin out of either location
160a,160b. The stop portion 152 and stop surface 154 of pin capture
member 140 are preferably defined as part of a support rib 162 that
extends substantially the length of the pin capture member 140 to
add strength thereto.
[0049] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the link
frame 12f comprises first and second interconnected but
spaced-apart parallel or substantially parallel ribs 200a,200b
defining therebetween a space 202 in which the pin capturing system
C2 is held. The frame 12f includes a first axial end E1 and a
second axial end E2. The ribs 200a,200b define a first pair of
aligned bores 210a,210b that receive a cross-pin CP2 (see also
FIGS. 4A-4C) to which the cylinder L2 is connected. The ribs
200a,200b further define a second pair of aligned bores 212a,212b
that serve as a pin-on connection point for the guide links 30 and
also the rod 18 of the attachment control cylinder 14. The bores
212a,212b define a central axis X1 (FIG. 5B) about which the guide
links 30 and rod 18 pivot (the opposite ends of the guide links are
secured to the nose 28 of the arm 10 by a pin-on connection to a
bore (or a pair of aligned bores) 214 numbered in FIGS. 2A,2B). The
hook H2 includes an inner partially-cylindrical surface H2a defined
by a radius 220 (FIG. 5B) centered at an origin 01. The surface H2a
preferably describes a maximum of 180 degrees between first and
second ends 222a,222b. The radius 220 is equal to or minimally
larger than a radius of the outer cylindrical surface of the pin
assembly PA2. The surface H2a defines a point 224 that lies halfway
between the ends 222a,222b.
[0050] A first plane N1 can thus be defined as passing through the
point 224 and the origin O1. A second plane N2 can be defined as
passing through the origin O1 and the axis X1. In the illustrated
embodiment, a hook angle .alpha. is defined between these two
planes N1,N2 and is less than 90 degrees. The hook H2 is preferably
conformed so that its mouth 142 opens in a direction oriented
toward the first end E1 of the frame 12f so that an associated pin
P2 moving into the hook H2 from the mouth 142 toward the inner
surface H2a upon movement of the link 12 relative to the pin
assembly PA2 must move with an axial component of movement away
from the first end E1 and toward the second end E2 of the frame
12f. This arrangement facilitates engagement of the hooks H1,H2
with the pin assemblies PA1,PA2 by simply manipulating the arm 10
and link 12 (as described below) without manual operations to
eliminate the need for an operator to exit his/her cab during this
procedure.
[0051] With brief reference again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the nose 28
of arm 10 includes or defines a temporary hook engagement region 68
with which the hook H2 of link (specifically the tip 130 thereof)
is selectively engageable as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The region
68 is preferably defined by one or more upstanding hooks or tabs
69. When the hook H2 of link 12 is engaged with the temporary hook
engagement region 68, the link 12 is unable to swing uncontrollably
as could otherwise occur during coupling/decoupling operations. The
hook H2 of link 12 is preferably engaged with the temporary hook
engagement region 68 for transport and storage of the arm assembly
A to prevent swinging movement of the link 12.
[0052] The attachment control link 12 comprises an unobstructed pin
guide surface or ramp 90 (see FIG. 5B) that curves or slopes from
the inner surface S2 of the link 12 into the mouth 142 of the hook
H2. This pin guide surface 90 is unobstructed in the sense that no
other portion of the link 12 projects outwardly from this surface
in a manner that would block or inhibit sliding or other movement
of the pin assembly PA2 on or adjacent the ramp 90 as the pin
assembly PA2 is received by the mouth 142 of hook H2.
[0053] Operation of the arm assembly A to couple an associated
attachment B thereto is now disclosed (the decoupling procedure is
the reverse of the coupling procedure) with reference to FIGS.
7A-7C (the arm assembly A is shown only diagrammatically in FIGS.
7A-7C for ease in understanding the coupling/decoupling sequence).
To pick-up an attachment AT, the link 12 is retracted, preferably
fully so that the hook H2 engages and is retained in the hook
engagement region 68 of arm 10 (unless the hook H2 is already
engaged with the hook engagement region 68). With the first pin
retainer 40 in its first operative (unlocked) state, the arm 10 is
moved so that the first pin assembly PA1 of the attachment AT is
fully received into the hook H1 (it may be necessary for the
operator to drag the attachment AT on the ground slightly to move
the pin assembly PA1 into the hook H1). The pin capturing system C1
is then operated to move the first pin retainer 40 to its second
operative (locked) state so that the first pin assembly PA1 is
captured in the first hook H1.
[0054] After the operator is certain that the ground crew is clear
of the area near the attachment AT, the attachment AT is then
lifted so that it hangs freely slightly off of the ground as shown
in FIG. 7A. With reference to FIG. 7B, the arm 10 pivoted relative
to a vertical plane V as indicated by the arrow A1 (i.e., the arm
10 is pivoted inwardly toward the machine to which it is connected)
so that the second pin assembly PA2 goes through the vertical plane
V moving inwardly toward the machine. The rod 18 of the cylinder 14
is then extended, so that the second hook H2 is located as shown at
least partially vertically below the level of a horizontal plane
passing through the center of the second pin assembly PA2 and also
outward of the pin assembly PA2.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 7C, the arm 10 is then pivoted outwardly
away from the machine in an opposite direction A2 through the
vertical plane V, so that the pin assemblies PA1,PA2 pass through
the vertical plane V and so that the hook H2 moves toward the pin
assembly PA2. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that the rod 18 is extended and/or retracted during this operation
as necessary to control the position of the link 12, and the arm 10
is pivoted relative to the plane V to vary the angular position of
the attachment AT relative to the arm 10 until the second pin
assembly PA2 is located in contact with or at least adjacent the
ramp 90 of the link 12 and, ultimately, is received fully in the
hook H2 by sliding movement along the ramp 90 into the hook H2,
i.e., the ramp 90 guides the pin assembly PA2 into the hook H2. In
the case where access to the second pin assembly PA2 is somewhat
limited by the presence of a box-type frame or the like, it is
possible to vary the angular position of the attachment B as
described in combination with movement of the link 12 so that the
hook H2 is able to receive the pin assembly PA2 as required.
Thereafter, the pin capturing system C2 is actuated to move the
second pin capture member 140 from its first (unlocked) position to
its second (locked) position to capture the second pin assembly PA2
in the hook H2 as shown in FIG. 7C. At this point, the operator or
an assistant can insert the stop-pins SP into the second
pin-receiving locations 60b,160b of the arm 10 and link 12,
respectively, as shown in FIGS. 7D,7E if desired. It should be
apparent from the foregoing that an arm assembly A formed in
accordance with the present invention and operated according to the
described coupling/decoupling method is advantageous owing to the
fact that an operator can couple to or decouple from an associated
attachment AT without assistance from a ground crew and without
leaving the operator's cab of the excavator or other machine to
which the arm assembly A is operatively connected. No mechanism is
required to spread the hooks H1,H2 apart from each other to engage
pin assemblies PA1,PA2, and the arm assembly A is not limited to
use with pin assemblies PA1,PA2 that are spaced a set distance
apart from each other, i.e., the arm assembly A is usable with
different pin-to-pin spacings for pin assemblies PA1,PA2. As noted,
decoupling of an associated attachment AT is preferably performed
by reversing the above-described coupling method.
[0056] FIG. 7D shows an associated attachment AT operably coupled
to the arm assembly A with the attachment in a first operative
position often referred to as a roll-back or dump position. FIG. 7E
is identical to FIG. 7D but shows the rod 18 of control cylinder 14
fully extended to move the attachment AT into a second operative
position often referred to as a curled position.
[0057] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a sleeve member PS that is
preferably used in connection with an arm assembly A formed in
accordance with the present invention to account for different
attachment pin lengths and diameters and also to improve overall
performance. The sleeve PS comprises a cylindrical tubular member
300 defining a through-bore 302. First and second spacers 304a,304b
are connected by welding or other means to or formed as a part of
opposite first and second ends of the tubular member 300. As
illustrated, the spacers 304a,304b define inner guide surfaces
306a,306b and outer bearing surfaces 308a,308b, respectively. The
guide surfaces 306a,306b are beveled or otherwise are conformed to
taper in a direction moving inwardly away from the bearing surface
308a,308b. The bearing surfaces 308a,308b are preferably planar.
The spacers 304a,304b define respective grooves 310a,310b in which
first and second O-ring seals 312a,312b are received so that the
O-ring seals extend axially outward beyond bearing surfaces
308a,308b, respectively. Each spacer 304a,304b includes or defines
at least one lubrication channel 314 that extends between the
respective outer surface 316a,316b and the bore 302, axially inward
of (between) the O-ring seals 312a,312b. Conventional grease
fittings 320 are installed in the lubrication channels 314.
[0058] As noted, the attachment AT (FIG. 1C) comprises first and
second pin assemblies PA1,PA2 each comprising a sleeve PS. As shown
in FIG. 9, the pin assembly PA2 comprises a sleeve PS coaxially
secured about a conventional attachment pin P2. The conventional
pin P2 is connected to and extends between first and second
parallel spaced-apart ribs R1,R2 of the attachment AT. The sleeve
PS is coaxially arranged with the pin P2 so that the pin P2 extends
through the bore 302. The pin P2 is non-rotatably secured to the
ribs R1,R2 by pin holders PH2a,PH2b. The sleeve PS is conformed and
dimensioned so that it fits closely between ribs R1,R2 with the
seals 312a,312b sealingly engaged with the ribs R1,R2,
respectively, for a particular attachment or class of attachments.
Also, the bore 302 is conformed and dimensioned so that the
conventional attachment pin P2 is closely slidably received therein
with minimal space between these two components. With the sleeve PS
operatively positioned, the bearing surfaces 308a,308b lie adjacent
and slidably contact ribs R1,R2. Although not shown in detail, the
pin assembly PA1 includes a sleeve PS connected to a conventional
attachment pin P1 and is otherwise structured in the same manner as
the pin assembly PA2.
[0059] When installed as shown in FIG. 9, the sleeve PS is freely
rotatable relative to the conventional pin P2. Lubrication such as
grease can be introduced into the through-bore 302 via fittings 320
and channels 314. The O-rings 312a,312b confine the grease to the
bore 302 and to the area between bearing surfaces 308a,308b and
ribs R1,R2, while preventing or at least inhibiting entry of dirt,
water and other contaminants into these same areas.
[0060] The tubular portions 300 of the sleeves PS are received into
and captured in hooks H1,H2. This arrangement allows for the hooks
H1,H2 to have fixed widths while different lengths of sleeves PS
corresponding to different spacings between attachment ribs R1,R2
of various classes of OEM attachments AT are used together with
conventional attachment pins P1,P2 to adapt a conventional
attachment AT for being coupled to the arm assembly A. The sleeves
PS of pin assemblies PA1,PA2 are non-rotatably held in the hooks
H1,H2 of arm assembly A so that no lubrication is required at this
interface and so that sleeves PS rotate about the conventional pins
P1,P2 where sufficient lubrication and cleanliness are ensured. The
bearing surfaces 308a,308b engage the ribs R1,R2, respectively, and
rotate relative thereto with minimal wear owing to the large
surface area, lubrication and relative cleanliness owing to seals
312a,312b. The sleeves PS are easily replaced when worn.
[0061] It should also be noted that the use of the sleeves PS as
described reduces the cost and assembly time for the link 12 and
arm 10 in that the non-rotatable interfaces between the link 12 and
the sleeve PS and arm 10 and sleeve PS do not require expensive and
time consuming machining operations as would be required for a
rotatable interface. Also, there is minimal wear at the interface
between hooks H1,H2 and pin assemblies PA1,PA2 owing to the lack of
rotation between these components.
[0062] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an alternative link 12' that
can be used as an alternative to the link 12 in the arm assembly A.
Except as shown and/or described, the link 12' is identical to the
link 12 and like reference numerals including a primed (')
designation are used to identify like components relative to the
link 12. Unlike the link 12, the link 12' the tip 130' is shortened
and made from thicker and stronger steel. The tip 130' does not
include a slot that receives the tip 148' of second pin retainer
140'. As such, under certain conditions, the tip 130' has been
found to have increased resistance to deformation relative to the
tip 130 including the slot 132. When the second pin retainer 140'
is extended to its second operative position as shown in FIG. 10B,
the tip 148' thereof abuts tip 130' but is not otherwise engaged
therewith.
[0063] The invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments. Alterations and modifications will occur to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification, and it
is intended that the claims be construed as encompassing all such
modifications and alterations.
* * * * *