U.S. patent application number 14/871510 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-30 for machine having removable tool system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CATERPILLAR INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CATERPILLAR INC.. Invention is credited to Todd Rowland FARMER, Jeffrey M. PARKER, Doug Earl PETTERSON, Jay Holloman RENFROW.
Application Number | 20170089035 14/871510 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58408566 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170089035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARKER; Jeffrey M. ; et
al. |
March 30, 2017 |
MACHINE HAVING REMOVABLE TOOL SYSTEM
Abstract
A tool system is disclosed for a machine. The tool system may
have a first adapter configured to removably connect with a first
side of the machine, and a second adapter configured to removably
connect with a second side of the machine opposite the first side.
The tool system may also have a frame member with a first end
pivotally attached to the first adapter, and a second end pivotally
attached to the second adapter. The tool system may further have a
tool pivotally connected to the frame member between the first and
second adapters, and at least one hydraulic actuator disposed
between the frame member and each of the first and second
adapters.
Inventors: |
PARKER; Jeffrey M.; (Fuquay
Varina, NC) ; PETTERSON; Doug Earl; (Fuquay Varina,
NC) ; RENFROW; Jay Holloman; (Kenly, NC) ;
FARMER; Todd Rowland; (Apex, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CATERPILLAR INC. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CATERPILLAR INC.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
58408566 |
Appl. No.: |
14/871510 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/964 20130101;
E02F 3/961 20130101; E02F 3/3631 20130101; E02F 3/3695 20130101;
E02F 3/3686 20130101; E02F 3/7631 20130101; E02F 3/627
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/76 20060101
E02F003/76; E02F 3/96 20060101 E02F003/96 |
Claims
1. An adapter for a tool system, comprising: spaced-apart plates
each with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of each of
the spaced-apart plates having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
aligned apertures formed in the upper ends of the spaced-apart
plates; a female engagement feature located at the lower ends of
the spaced-apart plates; and a protrusion located between the
spaced-apart plates and extending from the leading edges to
pivotally engage a frame member of the tool system.
2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the female engagement feature is
a hook with an opening oriented away from the upper end.
3. The adapter of claim 2, wherein: the protrusion is a first
protrusion; and the hook is formed in a second protrusion located
between the spaced-apart plates and extending from the trailing
edges.
4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the spaced-apart plates are
separated at the upper ends by an internal spacer.
5. The adapter of claim 1, further including a pin located between
the aligned apertures and the female engagement feature to receive
an actuator of the tool system.
6. A tool system for a machine, comprising: a first adapter
configured to removably connect with a first side of the machine; a
second adapter configured to removably connect with a second side
of the machine opposite the first side; a frame member having a
first end pivotally attached to the first adapter, and a second end
pivotally attached to the second adapter; a tool pivotally
connected to the frame member between the first and second
adapters; and at least one hydraulic actuator disposed between the
frame member and each of the first and second adapters.
7. The tool system of claim 6, wherein the at least one hydraulic
actuator is generally parallel with an upper surface of the frame
member when the tool is lowered to its lowest position.
8. The tool system of claim 7, wherein the at least one hydraulic
actuator becomes about 10.degree. out of parallel relative to the
upper surface of the frame member when the tool is lifted to its
highest position.
9. The tool system of claim 7, further including a protrusion
extending away from the upper surface, wherein the at least one
hydraulic actuator extends from the protrusion to a corresponding
one of the first and second adapters.
10. The tool system of claim 9, wherein: the frame member is
generally C-shaped, having first and second legs that terminate at
the first and second ends; the protrusion is a first protrusion
extending away from the upper surface at the first leg; the tool
system further includes a second protrusion extending away from the
upper surface at the second leg; and the at least one hydraulic
actuator includes a first hydraulic actuator connected between the
first adapter and the first protrusion, and a second hydraulic
actuator connected between the second adapter and the second
protrusion.
11. The tool system of claim 10, further including at least a third
hydraulic actuator extending from each of the first and second
protrusions to the tool.
12. The tool system of claim 11, wherein the at least a third
hydraulic actuator is also generally parallel with the upper
surface of the frame member when the tool is lowered to its lowest
position.
13. The tool system of claim 12, wherein the at least a third
hydraulic actuator is located gravitationally lower than the first
and second hydraulic actuators when the tool system is connected to
the machine.
14. The tool system of claim 12, wherein the at least a third
hydraulic actuator is located between the first and second
hydraulic actuators.
15. The tool system of claim 11, further including a fourth
actuator connected between a center of the frame member and a top
of the tool.
16. The tool system of claim 15, further including a third
protrusion extending away from the upper surface of the frame
member at a C-shape center of the frame member, wherein the fourth
actuator is connected to the third protrusion.
17. The tool system of claim 16, wherein the tool is a dozing
blade.
18. The tool system of claim 16, wherein the first and second ends
of the frame member are connected to gravitationally lower ends of
the first and second adapters, respectively.
19. The tool system of claim 18, wherein the first and second
adapters are each generally L-shaped, with the first and second
ends of the frame member being connected to horizontal portions of
the L-shapes.
20. A machine, comprising: a body having a front end and a rear
end; traction devices located at opposing sides of the body; an
opening formed in each of the opposing sides of the body at a
location above the traction devices; a protrusion rigidly connected
to each of the opposing sides of the body and extending outward;
first and second adapters configured to removably mount to the
opposing sides of the body, each of the first and second adapters
having spaced-apart plates with apertures configured to align with
the opening of the body, and a hook configured to receive the
protrusion; a generally C-shaped push frame having a first end
pivotally connected to the first adapter, and a second end
pivotally connected to the second adapter; a tool pivotally
connected to a center of the C-shaped push frame; lift cylinders
connecting the first and second adapters to the generally C-shaped
push frame; and a pitch cylinder connecting the generally C-shaped
push frame to the tool, wherein the first and second ends of the
generally C-shaped push frame are located between the opposing
sides of the body and the traction devices.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a machine and,
more particularly, to a machine having a removable tool system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A construction machine operating at a typical worksite is
often required to perform a variety of different functions, for
example, digging, leveling, grading, hauling, lifting, trenching,
hammering, compacting, etc. These functions are most efficiently
conducted using tools specifically designed for each of the
different functions. A tool coupler is a common way to connect the
tools to the machine. A tool coupler attaches to existing linkage
structure and hydraulics of the machine, and functions as a generic
adapter for interchangeable connection with an assortment of
different tools.
[0003] While a tool coupler may increase the versatility of a
machine, the tool coupler also has its limitations. In particular,
some tools require physical support, power, range of movements,
etc., that are different from other tools. By connecting all of the
different tools to the same generic coupler (and same associated
linkages and hydraulics), movements, speeds, and/or forces of the
tools may be inhibited. It may also be possible for the machine to
sustain damage when a particular tool is connected to a tool
coupler not designed to handle the movements, speeds, and/or forces
normally experienced by that particular tool. In addition, some
tools, because of the associated linkage and/or hydraulic
requirements, may not be connectable to the tool coupler and/or may
not function when connected to the tool coupler.
[0004] One attempt to address the issues discussed above is
disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0102154 (the '154
publication) by MULLER et al. that published on Aug. 1, 2002. In
particular, the '154 publication discloses an attachment system for
coupling a plurality of work tools to a single machine. The
attachment system includes a base module that is either integrally
formed with or attached to the front frame of the machine, and an
adapter that is permanently secured to the particular work tool.
The adapter is configured to engage and mate with the base module.
Bolts are then used to retain the adapter connected to the base
module. Each of the plurality of work tools has a unique linkage
arrangement associated therewith, including appropriate power
providers for controlling operations of that particular tool.
Exemplary tools include a loader bucket and a dozer blade.
[0005] While the attachment system of the '154 publication may
provide some improvement over a generic tool coupler, it may still
be problematic and have limited application. In particular, the
different tools and adapters may be difficult and time-consuming to
attach to the base module. In addition, the linkage arrangements
disclosed in the '154 publication may not provide a desired level
of support, motion, and force for some applications. Further, the
attachment system may only be applicable to articulated
machines.
[0006] The machine and tool system of the present disclosure
address one or more of the needs set forth above and/or other
problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an
adapter for a tool system. The adapter may include spaced-apart
plates each with an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of
each of the spaced-apart plates may have a leading edge and a
trailing edge. The adapter may further include aligned apertures
formed in the upper ends of the spaced-apart plates, a female
engagement feature located at the lower ends of the spaced-apart
plates, and a protrusion located between the spaced-apart plates
and extending from the leading edges to pivotally engage a frame
member of the tool system.
[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a
tool system for a machine. The tool system may include a first
adapter configured to removably connect with a first side of the
machine, and a second adapter configured to removably connect with
a second side of the machine opposite the first side. The tool
system may also include a frame member with a first end pivotally
attached to the first adapter, and a second end pivotally attached
to the second adapter. The tool system may further include a tool
pivotally connected to the frame member between the first and
second adapters, and at least one hydraulic actuator disposed
between the frame member and each of the first and second
adapters.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to
a machine. The machine may include a body having a front end and a
rear end, traction devices located at opposing sides of the body,
an opening formed in each of the opposing sides of the body at a
location above the traction devices, and a protrusion rigidly
connected to each of the opposing sides of the body and extending
outward. The machine may also include first and second adapters
configured to removably mount to the opposing sides of the body.
Each of the first and second adapters may have spaced-apart plates
with apertures configured to align with the opening of the body,
and a hook configured to receive the protrusion. The machine may
further include a C-shaped push frame having a first end pivotally
connected to the first adapter, and a second end pivotally
connected to the second adapter. The machine may additionally have
a tool pivotally connected to a center of the C-shaped push frame,
lift cylinders connecting the first and second adapters to the
C-shaped push frame, and a pitch cylinder connecting the C-shaped
push frame to the tool. The first and second ends of the C-shaped
push frame may be located between the opposing sides of the body
and the traction devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1 and 2 are side-view illustrations of an exemplary
disclosed machine equipped with different removable tool
systems;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of an exemplary tool
system that is removably connectable to the machine of FIG. 1;
and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side-view illustration of the exemplary tool
system of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] FIGS. 1 and 2 both illustrate an exemplary machine 10
equipped with different front tool systems 12 and different rear
tool systems 14. Machine 10 may be a machine that performs some
type of operation associated with an industry, such as mining,
construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry known
in the art. In the disclosed example, machine 10 is a general
track-type-tractor capable of accepting any number of different
front and rear tool systems 12, 14, thereby becoming an
application-specific machine. In the example of FIG. 1, front tool
system 12 is a loader system having a loading-type bucket tool 16,
while rear tool system 14 is a trenching system having a trencher
tool 18. In the example of FIG. 2, front tool system 12 is a dozing
system having a blade-type tool 20, while rear tool system 14 is a
back-hoe system having a excavating-type bucket tool 22. In
general, front tool systems 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be
interchangeable with each other (and with other front tool systems
that are not shown) and removably connected to machine 10.
Likewise, rear tool systems 14 may be interchangeable with each
other (and with other rear tool systems that are not shown) and
removably connected to machine 10. Front tool systems 12, however,
may not be interchangeable with rear tool systems 14. For the
purposes of this disclosure, removably connected may be defined as
connected without the use of threaded fasteners or welding, and
connected in such a manner that cutting, bending, or another
destructive process is not required for removal.
[0014] It should be noted that, while machine 10 is depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2 as a track-type-tractor, machine 10 could be another
type of machine, if desired. For example, machine 10 could be a
wheeled machine. It is also contemplated that machine 10 may have a
fixed or integrated tool system, in addition to front and/or rear
tool systems 12, 14 that are removable. For example, machine 10
could be a haul truck having an integrated bed, in addition to or
instead of one or both of front and rear tool systems 12, 14.
[0015] Machine 10 includes, among other things, a body ("machine
body") 24, a power source (e.g., an engine) 26 mounted to machine
body 24, one or more traction devices 28 driven by power source 26,
and an operator station 30 supported by machine body 24. Operator
station 30 may house any number and type of input devices 32 for
use by the operator in controlling front and rear tool systems 12,
14, power source 26, and/or traction devices 28.
[0016] An example of the dozing-type front tool system ("system")
12 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in these figures,
system 12 may include two adapters 34 located at a proximal end
(i.e., proximal relative to machine body 24), tool 20 located at a
distal end, a linkage arrangement 36 disposed between adapters 34
and tool 20, and one or more actuators 38 connected between
adapters 34, components of linkage arrangement 36, and tool 20.
Adapters 34 may function as anchors, which are used to connect the
rest of system 12 to machine 10. Actuators 38 may be selectively
activated (e.g., in response to operator commands generated via
input devices 32) to move linkage arrangement 36 and tool 20
relative to adapters 34.
[0017] Each adapter 34 may have a general L-shape, with a
horizontal portion and a longer vertical portion (i.e., horizontal
and vertical relative to an installed orientation on machine 10).
The vertical portion may be fabricated primarily from two separate
plates 40 that are spaced apart from each other. In the disclosed
embodiment, plates 40 are substantially identical to each other and
parallel. It should be noted, however, that plates 40 may be
different in other embodiments and angled relative to each other,
if desired. The horizontal portions may be located between plates
40. One or more webs 42 may interconnect plates 40 to provide
structural integrity to adapter 34, and function as internal
spacers.
[0018] Each plate 40 may have an upper end 44 and a lower end 46,
as well as a leading edge 48 and a trailing edge 50. An aperture 52
may be formed in upper end 44 of each plate 40, and aligned with
the corresponding aperture 52 of the other paired plate 40 of each
adapter 34. In some embodiments, a boss may be formed around each
aperture 52 and extend partially or completely between plates 40.
The aligned apertures 52 of each adapter 34 may be configured to
align with a corresponding opening (not shown) located in a side of
machine body 24. Once apertures 52 are aligned with the opening, a
locking pin (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 52
and the opening to retain these features in alignment with each
other. In this manner, upper end 44 of adapter 34 may be connected
to machine 10, such that pivoting in a vertical plane (i.e., a
plane generally aligned with the side of machine body 24) is
possible.
[0019] An additional aperture 54 may be formed within each plate 40
at a location between apertures 52 and lower end 46 (e.g., about
midway therebetween). Like apertures 52, apertures 54 of both
plates 40 may be aligned with each other. In some embodiments, a
boss may be formed around each aperture 54 and extend partially or
completely between plates 40. The aligned apertures 54 of each
adapter 34 may be configured to also align with a corresponding
aperture of a first actuator 38 (e.g., an eye located at a head-end
of a hydraulic lift cylinder 38a). Once apertures 54 are aligned
with the cylinder eye, a pin (not shown) may be inserted through
the apertures 54 and the cylinder eye to retain these features
connected with each other. In this manner, lift cylinder 38a may
pivot vertically relative to adapter 34.
[0020] The horizontal portion of each adapter 34 may be formed from
another plate 56, which protrudes in opposing directions from the
leading and trailing edges 48, 50 of plates 40. A female engagement
feature ("feature") 58 may be formed within a rearward protrusion
of plate 56, while a clevis 59 having aligned apertures 60 may be
formed within an opposing forward protrusion. In the disclosed
embodiment, feature 58 may be a hook having an opening facing
downward (i.e., opposite upper end 44). Feature 58 may be
configured to receive a pin 62 (referring to FIG. 1) that is
rigidly connected to and extends outward from the side of machine
body 24. Pin 62 may be located in general vertical alignment with
and below the bore hold formed in the same side of machine body 24.
With this configuration, adapter 34 may be placed over pin 62, and
feature 58 lowered thereon. After feature 58 is resting on pin 62,
pin 62 may function as a pivot shaft for adapter 34. That is,
adapter 34 may be rotated about pin 62 until apertures 52 align
with the opening in the side of machine body 24. This alignment may
facilitate manual placement of the above-described locking pin. In
the disclosed embodiment, plate 56 is welded to one or both of
plates 40 of the same adapter 34. It is contemplated, however, that
plate 56 could alternatively be integrally formed with one of
plates 40, if desired.
[0021] In the disclosed embodiment, pin 62 is retained within
feature 58 by the hooked shape thereof, by the weight of tool
system 12 resting on pin 62, and by the pinned connection of
apertures 52 with the openings in the sides of machine body 24.
This may be a secure connection for most applications. However, it
is contemplated that an additional retention mechanism may be
employed, if desired. This additional retention mechanism may take
the form of a commonly known wedge-type lock that can be remotely
activated by the operator. Specifically, in response to operator
input, a wedge (not shown) could be electrically, hydraulically,
and/or mechanically moved to close off the open side of feature 58,
with pin 62 locked inside. In this manner, pin 62 may be
mechanically blocked from exiting feature 58.
[0022] Clevis 59 formed at the front end of plate 56, having
aligned apertures 60, may be used to connect linkage arrangement 36
to adapter 34. Specifically, a portion of linkage arrangement 36
may pass through opposing sides of clevis 59, such that an eye of
linkage arrangement 36 aligns with apertures 60. Thereafter, a pin
(not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 60 and the eye to
retain these features connected with each other. In this manner,
linkage arrangement 36 may pivot vertically relative to adapter
34.
[0023] Linkage arrangement 36, in the disclosed embodiment,
includes a single monolithic frame member 63 connected between both
adapters 34 and tool 20. Frame member 63 may be a hollow beam
having a general C-shape, with a square or rectangular
cross-section. For example, frame member 63 may be a welded
fabrication consisting of a bottom plate 64, a top plate 66, an
inner side plate 68, and an outer side plate 69. Bottom and top
plates 64, 66 may be substantially identical and arcuate, opening
towards machine body 24. Side plates 68, 69 may be oriented
generally orthogonal to bottom and top plates 64, 66 and follow the
general curvature of bottom and top plates 64, 66. Inner side plate
68 may have a shorter length than outer side plate 68. Frame member
63 may have two straight ends 70 located generally parallel to each
other and at opposing sides of machine body 24 (i.e., when
assembled to machine 10), and a curved center portion 72 located
between ends 70 and in front of machine body 24. Each of ends 70
may pivotally connect to plate 56 of a corresponding adapter 34 via
apertures 60, such that vertical pivoting of frame member 63 may be
possible relative to adapters 34.
[0024] Multiple supports may protrude upward away from an upper
surface of top plate 66 along the length of frame member 63. In
particular one protrusion 74 may be located adjacent each end 70
(e.g., on the straight potion of frame member 63, between end 70
and the curved portion of frame member 63), while another
protrusion 76 may be located at the center of the curved portion of
frame member 63. Protrusions 74 and 76 may function as mounting
points for actuators 38. In particular, each of protrusions 74 may
have an upper aperture 78 and a lower aperture 80. Upper apertures
78 may be configured to align with a rod-end eye of corresponding
lift cylinders 38a, such that a pivot pin may be inserted
therethrough. Lower apertures 80 may be configured to align with
head-end apertures of corresponding yaw cylinders 38b, such that a
pivot pin may be inserted therethrough. The opposing rod-end of yaw
cylinders 38b may be pivotally connected to outer edges of tool 20.
Protrusion 76 may include a ball 82 formed therein at a distal end
that is configured to align with a head-end socket of a pitch
cylinder 38c, such that ball 82 may be inserted into the socket.
The opposing rod-end of pitch cylinder 38c may be pivotally
connected to a top edge of tool 20 by way of another similar ball
joint.
[0025] Tool 20 may additionally be connected to outer side surface
69 at the center of the curved portion of frame member 63, for
example via a ball joint 77. With this configuration, tool 20 may
be allowed to pitch fore/aft, yaw left/right, and also roll
clockwise/counterclockwise. The rolling may be initiated by way of
an additional roll cylinder 38d that extends between protrusion 76
(e.g., at a location below pitch cylinder 38c) to a side edge of
tool 20.
[0026] The motion of actuators 38 may function to raise/lower, yaw,
pitch, and roll tool 20. Specifically, as lift cylinders 38a
retract, rearward forces may be generated at the tops of
protrusions 74 that result in an upward raising of frame member 63
and tool 20. In contrast, as lift cylinders 38 extend, forward
forces may be generated that result in a downward lowering of frame
member 63 and tool 20. Yaw cylinders 38b, being located at opposing
sides of frame member 63 (and machine 10), may function in tandem
with each other to cause desired left/right yawing of tool 20 about
a vertical axis relative to frame member 63 and machine 10. For
example, to yaw tool 20 to the left (i.e., when viewed from an
operator's perspective), the yaw cylinder 38b located on the right
side will extend, while the yaw cylinder 38b located on the left
side will retract. And to yaw tool 20 to the right, the yaw
cylinder 38b located on the right side will retract, while the yaw
cylinder 38b located on the left side will extend. During the
extensions and retractions of yaw cylinders 38b, reactionary forces
will be transmitted down through protrusions 74 to frame member 63.
Yaw cylinders 38b may be generally located inward (e.g., between)
and gravitationally lower than lift cylinders 38a, although other
configurations may also be possible. Extensions and retractions of
pitch cylinder 38c may function in a manner similar to the other
actuators 38 to create forward and reverse pitching of tool 20,
respectively. Extension of roll cylinder 38d may result in a
counterclockwise rolling of tool 20, while a retraction may result
in a clockwise rolling. Reactionary forces generated during
pitching and rolling will be transmitted down through protrusion 76
to frame member 63.
[0027] Lift and pitch cylinders 38a, 38b may be oriented to handle
high forces during engagement of tool 20 with a ground surface
below machine 10. That is, when tool 20 is moved to a lowest
position, at which the ground surface is engaged by a lower edge of
tool 20, lift and pitch cylinders 38a, 38b (e.g., an axis or plane
of symmetry of cylinders 38a, 38b) may all be generally parallel
(e.g., within +/-20) with top plate 66. In this configuration,
forces generated by the engagement may be transmitted substantially
evenly through the cylinders and through frame member 63 back to
the sides of machine body 24. This even distribution of forces may
help to reduce a likelihood of damage to the components of tool
system 12, to increase a load capacity of tool system 12, and/or to
improve a stability of tool system 12 during the engagement. As
frame member 63 and tool 20 are raised to a maximum height
position, lift and pitch cylinders 38a, 38b may move out of
alignment relative to frame member 63 by about 10.degree. (e.g.,
within +/-2.degree.).
[0028] The tool system 12 disclosed in FIG. 1 may have connection
features similar to those of tool system 12 shown in FIG. 2. In
particular, tool system 12 of FIG. 1 may include apertures 52
configured for pinned connection to the openings in the sides of
machine body 24, and feature 58 configured for engagement with pin
62. The rest of tool system 12 shown in FIG. 1, however, may be
different from that of FIG. 2. The common features may allow
interchangeability of the two systems with each other and with
other similarly configured systems.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0029] The presently disclosed tool systems are applicable to any
mobile machine to increase the functionality of the machine. For
example, a general-use machine may utilize the disclosed tool
systems to selectively connect a front loading bucket (and
associated linkage arrangement), a dozing blade (and associated
linkage arrangement), or another tool to the machine, such that the
machine can be used for many different purposes. This increase in
functionality lowers capital costs for the machine owner, and/or
allows for increased business opportunities. Connection of tool
systems 12 will now be described in detail with respect to FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0030] The first step in connecting a particular tool system 12 to
machine 10 is to drive machine 10 forward toward tool system 12,
until feature 58 is resting over the top of pin 62. It should be
noted that, during this movement, ends 70 of frame member 63 may
pass between the sides of machine body 24 and traction devices 28.
That is, enough space may exist between frame member 63 and the
sides of machine body 24 to accommodate the ends of frame member
63, allowing linkage system 12 to sit low on machine 10. When
feature 58 is resting over the top of pin 62, the operator of
machine 10 may exit operator station 30 and connect appropriate
hydraulic hoses between a source of fluid pressure onboard machine
10 and actuators 38. Thereafter, the operator may re-enter station
30 and manipulate input device 32 to cause an extension of lift
cylinders 38a. An extension of lift cylinders 38a, at this point in
time, may result in a lowering of adapters 34 onto pin 62, and the
engagement of the hook shape of feature 58 with pin 62. Further
movements of lift cylinders 38a may result in the rotation of
adapters 34 about pins 62, and the corresponding alignment of
apertures 52 with the openings in the sides of machine body 24.
Once apertures 52 are sufficiently aligned with the openings,
appropriate pins may be placed therein to inhibit further
rotations. The placing of the pins through apertures 52 and the
openings may complete the connection process. The connection
process may be reversed to disconnect tool system 12 from machine
10.
[0031] Several advantages are associated with the disclosed tool
system. In particular, the disclosed tool system may be easy and
quick to attach to machine 10. In addition, the disclosed tool
system, because of the angular configuration of lift and pitch
cylinders 38a, 38b relative to frame member 63, may be robust for
even high-force applications. Further, the disclosed tool system
may be applicable to both articulated and non-articulated
machines.
[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the machine and tool
system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope
of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the machine and tool system disclosed herein. It is
intended that the specification and examples be considered as
exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated
by the following claims and their equivalent.
* * * * *