U.S. patent application number 14/871488 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-30 for machine having rear-mounted tool coupler.
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 | 20170089036 14/871488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57231530 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170089036 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARKER; Jeffrey M. ; et
al. |
March 30, 2017 |
MACHINE HAVING REAR-MOUNTED TOOL COUPLER
Abstract
A machine is disclosed as having a body, and left and right
traction devices supporting opposing sides of the body. The machine
may also have a power source mounted to the body at a front end
relative to a normal travel direction. The power source may be
configured to drive the left and right traction devices. The
machine may further have left and right lift arms. Each of the left
and right lift arms may have a base end pivotally connected at a
back end of the body to a location gravitationally above the left
and right traction devices, respectively. The machine may
additionally have a tool coupler mounted to distal ends of the left
and right lift arms.
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: |
57231530 |
Appl. No.: |
14/871488 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/3627 20130101;
E02F 3/3695 20130101; E02F 3/963 20130101; E02F 3/627 20130101;
E02F 3/364 20130101; E02F 3/961 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/96 20060101
E02F003/96 |
Claims
1. A machine, comprising: a body; left and right traction devices
supporting opposing sides of the body; a power source mounted to
the body at a front end relative to a normal travel direction, the
power source being configured to drive the left and right traction
devices; left and right lift arms, each having a base end pivotally
connected at a back end of the body to a location gravitationally
above the left and right traction devices, respectively; and a tool
coupler mounted to distal ends of the left and right lift arms.
2. The machine of claim 1, further including: a left adapter
configured to connect the base end of the left lift arm to a left
side of the body; and a right adapter configured to connect the
base end of the right lift arm to right side of the body.
3. The machine of claim 2, wherein: each of the left and right
adapters are generally L-shaped, having a vertical portion
configured to extend along a door rear frame of the machine and a
horizontal portion configured to extend along a cabin floor of the
machine; and the base end of each of the left and right lift arms
is pivotally connected to a distal end of the vertical portion.
4. The machine of claim 2, further including: lift cylinders
extending from the left and right adapters to the left and right
lift arms, respectively; and tilt cylinders extending from the left
and right lift arms to opposing sides of the tool coupler.
5. The machine of claim 4, wherein: each of the left and right
traction devices includes an idler wheel, a drive sprocket, and a
track extending around the idler wheel and the drive sprocket; and
each of the lift cylinders has a stationary end located above the
track and between the idler wheel and the drive sprocket, and a
movable end that moves through an arc above the track during
lifting of the tool coupler.
6. The machine of claim 5, wherein when the tool coupler is in a
lowest position, the movable ends of the lift cylinders are located
above the drive sprocket.
7. The machine of claim 1, further including an operator cabin
supported by the body and having a floor, wherein when the tool
coupler is lifted to a highest position, the left and right lift
arms are completely above the floor of the operator cabin.
8. The machine of claim 7, wherein when the tool coupler is lifted
to the highest position, the left and right lift arms are generally
parallel with the floor of the operator cabin.
9. A machine, comprising: a body; an operator cabin supported on
the body and having a floor; left and right traction devices
connected to opposing sides of the body; a power source mounted to
the body at a front end of the operator cabin relative to a normal
travel direction, the power source being configured to drive the
left and right traction devices; left and right lift arms pivotally
connected at a back end of the body; and a tool coupler mounted to
the left and right lift arms, wherein the left and right lift arms
are located completely above the floor of the operator cabin when
raised to a highest lift position.
10. The machine of claim 9, further including: a left adapter
configured to connect a base end of the left lift arm to a left
side of the body; and a right adapter configured to connect a base
end of the right lift arm to right side of the body.
11. The machine of claim 10, wherein: each of the left and right
adapters are generally L-shaped, having a vertical portion
configured to extend along a door rear frame of the machine and a
horizontal portion configured to extend along a cabin floor of the
machine; and the base end of each of the left and right lift arms
is pivotally connected to a distal end of the vertical portion.
12. The machine of claim 11, further including: lift cylinders
extending from the left and right adapters to the left and right
lift arms, respectively; and tilt cylinders extending from the left
and right lift arms to opposing sides of the tool coupler.
13. The machine of claim 12, wherein: each of the left and right
traction devices includes an idler wheel, a drive sprocket, and a
track extending around the idler wheel and the drive sprocket; and
each of the lift cylinders has a stationary end located above the
track and between the idler wheel and the drive sprocket, and a
movable end that moves through an arc above the track during
lifting of the tool coupler.
14. The machine of claim 13, wherein when the tool coupler is in a
lowest position, the movable ends of the lift cylinders are located
above the drive sprocket.
15. The machine of claim 9, wherein when the left and right lift
arms are raised to the highest lift position, the left and right
lift arms are generally parallel with the floor of the operator
cabin.
16. A machine, comprising: a body; an operator cabin supported on
the body and having a floor; left and right traction devices
connected to opposing sides of the body; a power source mounted to
the body at a front end of the operator cabin relative to a normal
travel direction, the power source being configured to drive the
left and right traction devices; a tool linkage system removably
connected to the front end of the body; and a tool coupler
non-removably connected to a rear end of the body.
17. The machine of claim 16, further including left and right lift
arms connecting the tool coupler to the body, each of the left and
right lift arms having a base end pivotally connected to the body
at a location gravitationally above the left and right traction
devices, and a distal end connected to the tool coupler.
18. The machine of claim 17, wherein the left and right lift arms
are located completely above the floor of the operator cabin when
raised to a highest lift position.
19. The machine of claim 17, further including: a left adapter
configured to connect the base end of the left lift arm to a left
side of the body; and a right adapter configured to connect the
base end of the right lift arm to right side of the body, wherein;
each of the left and right adapters are generally L-shaped, having
a vertical portion configured to extend along a door rear frame of
the operator cabin and a horizontal portion configured to extend
along the floor of the operator cabin; and the base end of each of
the left and right lift arms is pivotally connected to a distal end
of the vertical portion.
20. The machine of claim 19, further including: lift cylinders
extending from the left and right adapters to the left and right
lift arms, respectively; and tilt cylinders extending from the left
and right lift arms to opposing sides of the tool coupler, wherein:
each of the left and right traction devices includes an idler
wheel, a drive sprocket, and a track extending around the idler
wheel and the drive sprocket; and each of the lift cylinders has a
stationary end located above the track and between the idler wheel
and the drive sprocket, and a movable end that moves through an arc
above the track during lifting of the tool coupler.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a machine and,
more particularly, to a machine having a rear-mounted tool
coupler.
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 front of a 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 mounted to the front of a machine may
increase the versatility of the machine, such a configuration also
has its limitations. In particular, there may be times when space
at the front of the machine is unavailable for use with a tool
coupler. For example, the space at the front of the machine could
already be taken by another permanent or removable tool. In
addition, there may be applications that require interchangeable
tools at the rear of the machine, and conventional tool couplers
may not be designed for this purpose.
[0004] One attempt to address the issues discussed above is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,875 (the '875 patent) by WETZEL et
al. that issued on Sep. 27, 2011. In particular, the '875 patent
discloses a compact excavator having a base frame with an
undercarriage, and an upper frame rotatably attached to a top side
of the base frame. The undercarriage includes left and right tracks
mounted at the sides of the base frame. A first implement assembly
is pinned to the upper frame, and a second implement assembly is
attached to the base frame between the left and right tracks. The
second implement assembly includes lift arms, a pair of hydraulic
actuators, and an implement coupler. Different tools can be
removably connected to the implement coupler.
[0005] Although the excavator of the '875 patent may have two
different implement assemblies, including an implement coupler, the
excavator may still be less than optimal. For example, the location
of the coupler being between the left and right tracks may limit
the types and sizes of tools that can be connected to the
excavator. In addition, the arrangement of the two implement
assemblies of the '875 patent may not provide enough versatility to
the excavator or the range of motion required for some
applications.
[0006] The machine and tool coupler 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 machine.
The machine may include a body, and left and right traction devices
supporting opposing sides of the body. The machine may also include
a power source mounted to the body at a front end relative to a
normal travel direction. The power source may be configured to
drive the left and right traction devices. The machine may further
include left and right lift arms. Each of the left and right lift
arms may have a base end pivotally connected at a back end of the
body to a location gravitationally above the left and right
traction devices, respectively. The machine may additionally
include a tool coupler mounted to distal ends of the left and right
lift arms.
[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to
another machine. This machine may include a body, an operator cabin
supported on the body and having a floor, and left and right
traction devices connected to opposing sides of the body. The
machine may also include a power source mounted to the body at a
front end of the operator cabin relative to a normal travel
direction. The power source may be configured to drive the left and
right traction devices. The machine may further include left and
right lift arms pivotally connected at a back end of the body, and
a tool coupler mounted to the left and right lift arms. The left
and right lift arms are located completely above the floor of the
operator cabin when raised to a highest lift position.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to
another machine. This machine may include a body, an operator cabin
supported on the body and having a floor, and left and right
traction devices connected to opposing sides of the body. The
machine may also include a power source mounted to the body at a
front end of the operator cabin relative to a normal travel
direction. The power source may be configured to drive the left and
right traction devices. The machine may further include a tool
linkage system removably connected to the front end of the body,
and a tool coupler non-removably connected to a rear end of the
body.
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
coupler non-removably mounted to a rear end of the machine of FIGS.
1 and 2, without any associated tool system; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration of the tool coupler 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 mobile 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 tools or cutting, bending, and
other destructive processes are 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 at a front end thereof (i.e., relative to a normal travel
direction), one or more traction devices 28 driven by power source
26, and an operator cabin 30 supported above machine body 24.
Operator cabin 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. Operator cabin
30 may have a floor 33 located at a height gravitationally above
traction devices 28.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the disclosed traction devices 28 embody
parallel tracks 34 located at opposing sides of body 24. Each track
34 may comprise a plurality of crawler shoes pinned end-to-end to
form an endless loop. The endless loop of crawler shoes may wrap
around a corresponding sprocket 36 and idler wheel 38. Sprocket 36
may engage the pins (or engage bushings that encase the pins) of
the crawler shoes and thereby transmit torque from power source 26
to tack 34. Idler wheel 38 (as well as a number of aligned rollers
40) may guide the crawler shoes in a general elliptical trajectory
around sprocket 36.
[0017] Rear tool system 14 should be connected to the rear end of
machine body 24 in such a way as to clear traction devices 28 and
still provide a wide range of motion and lift. For this purpose, a
tool coupler ("coupler") 42 may be non-removably connected to
machine body 24 by way of a linkage arrangement 44, and rear tool
system 14 may be removably connected to machine 10 by way of
coupler 42.
[0018] As shown in both FIGS. 3 and 4, coupler 42 may take any
conventional form known in the art and be used to facilitate a
quick connection between rear tool system 14 machine 10. For
example, coupler 42 may include a frame 46 that extends widthwise
across the back end of machine body 24. Frame 46 may have an upper
edge 48 and a lower edge 50. In some embodiments, upper edge 48 may
be plate-like. In other embodiments, however, upper edge 48 may be
rounded (e.g., fabricated from a tube). In some embodiments, a
center portion of frame 46 at upper edge 48 may dip downward to
provide a better view of rear tool system 14. An outward face of
frame 46 may be generally planar, and any number of vertical webs
and/or supports may be located at an inner face of frame 46 to help
stiffen frame 46. The different components of frame 46 may be
welded and/or bolted to each other. Frame 46 may be connected to
linkage arrangement 44 via two upper pins 52 and two lower pins 54;
one located on each corner.
[0019] Coupler 42 may also include one or more wedges 56 that are
disposed to slide vertically within frame 46 at lower edge 50,
After hooks or other similar features of rear tool system 14 are
placed over upper edge 48 of frame 46, wedges 56 may be pushed
downward to extend out of frame 46 and into corresponding pockets
58 (one pocket 58 shown in FIG. 1) of rear tool system 14. Each of
wedges 56 may be pushed downward and out of frame 46 manually
(e.g., by way of a lever 60), or automatically (e.g., by way of
hydraulic cylinders or motors--not shown), as desired. When wedges
56 are located within pockets 58, there may not be enough vertical
space between pockets 58 and the hooks of rear tool system 14 to
allow upper edge 48 of coupler 42 to be released from the hooks.
Only when wedges 56 are pulled back out of pockets 58, can rear
tool system 14 be removed from coupler 42. In this manner, rear
tool system 14 may be removably connected to machine 10 by way of
coupler 42 and linkage arrangement 44.
[0020] Linkage arrangement 44 may include left and right lift arms
62 connected between left and right adapters 64 (only left adapter
64 shown in FIGS. 1-3) and corresponding left and right sides of
coupler 42. Each lift arm 62 may have a base end pivotally
connected to an upper-most pin 66 of the corresponding adapter 64,
and a distal end pivotally connected to coupler 42 at pin 54. In
some embodiments, lift arms 62 may also be connected to each other
at the distal ends by way of a cross-brace 68.
[0021] Left and right lift cylinders 70 may connect lower-most pins
72 of adapters 64 to midpoint pins 74 of the corresponding lift
arms 62. In this arrangement, coordinated extensions of lift
cylinders 70 may function to raise the distal ends of lift arms 62,
along with coupler 42 and rear tool system 14 (if attached). In
contrast, the coordinated retraction of lift cylinders 70 may
function to lower the distal ends of lift arms 62.
[0022] Left and right tilt cylinders 76 may extend from pins 78 at
the base ends of lift arms 62 to pins 52 at the top corners of
coupler 42. In this arrangement, coordinated extensions of tilt
cylinders 76 may function to tilt outward the top edge of coupler
42 and thereby rotate rear tool system 14 downward (if attached).
In contrast, the coordinated retraction of tilt cylinders 76 may
function to tilt inward the top edge of coupler 42 and thereby
rotate rear tool system 14 upward.
[0023] Adapters 64 may be connected (e.g., welded or bolted) to
opposing sides of machine body 24. Each adapter 64 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 horizontal and vertical portions
may be integral, and fabricated primarily from plate stock. Pin 66
may be located at a distal end of the vertical portion (e.g., at a
fore/aft location between idler wheel 38 and drive sprocket 36, and
at a vertical location above floor 33 of cabin 30), while pin 72
may be located at a distal end of the horizontal portion (e.g., at
a fore/aft location closer to idler wheel 38 than pin 66, and at a
vertical location below floor 33). The horizontal portion of
adapter 64 may extend along floor 33 of cabin 30 (e.g., at a level
gravitationally below floor 33 and above traction devices 28). In
some embodiments, lift cylinders 70 may be housed inside the
horizontal portions of adapters 64, and thereby at least partially
shielded from environmental conditions. The vertical portion of
adapter 64 may extend along a door rear frame of cabin 30 (e.g., at
a location rearward of an associated doorway).
[0024] The shape and location of adapters 64, in combination with
the configuration of lift arms 62 and lift cylinders 70, may
provide for unique movements of rear tool system 14. For example,
because adapters 64 may be elevated above traction devices 28 and
pins 66 may be further elevated above floor 33 of cabin 30, when
lift cylinders 70 fully extend, lift arms 62 may move to positions
completely above floor 33. This may cause coupler 42 to be lifted
through an arc above traction devices 28 to a high position, which
allows coupler 42 to be used with specific tool systems (e.g., with
trencher tool 18 of FIG. 1) that otherwise could not be connected
to the back end of a machine. In the disclosed embodiment, coupler
42 may be raised to a height about 1 m off a ground surface, on
which traction devices 28 rest. In addition, when lift cylinders 70
are fully extended (i.e., when lift arms 62 are fully raised) and
when tilt cylinders 76 are simultaneously fully extended, tilt
cylinders and coupler 42 may be generally parallel with floor 33.
This may provide a range of tilting motion greater than about
180.degree., which may be beneficial for some tool systems (e.g.,
trencher tool 18 of FIG. 1). Further, when coupler 42 is in a
lowest position (i.e., when lift arms 62 are fully retracted), the
distal ends of lift cylinders 70 may be located above drive
sprocket 36 (i.e., at the rear ends of traction devices 28), such
that subsequent downward tilting does not cause interference
between a connected rear tool system 14 and traction device 28.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0025] The presently disclosed tool coupler and associated linkage
system are applicable to any mobile machine to increase the
functionality of the machine. For example, a general-use machine
may utilize the disclosed tool coupler and linkage system to
selectively connect a trencher tool, a back-hoe, or another tool to
the back end of 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.
[0026] Several advantages are associated with the disclosed tool
coupler and linkage system. In particular, the disclosed tool
coupler and linkage system may allow for quick and easy attachment
of a rear tool system to machine 10. In addition, the disclosed
tool coupler and linkage system may provide for the lift, range of
motion, and orientation required by a broad range of rear tool
systems.
[0027] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the machine, tool
coupler and linkage 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, tool coupler and linkage
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.
* * * * *