WO2004016863A1

WO2004016863A1 - A connector

Info

Publication number: WO2004016863A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2003/000180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Robert Ward; Allan Warrick Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-16
Filing date: 2003-08-15
Publication date: 2004-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2005-02-16
Also published as: AU2003258905A1

Abstract

A connection apparatus (1) adapted to removably connect the ends of a first arm (2) and a second arm (3) to form a working boom. The connection apparatus includes a body provided with a fixed connection to the first (2) of said arms, the body being adapted to be removably connected to attachment pins (9) projecting from the second arm (3). The connection apparatus also includes a retention means formed as a pair of fixed hooks (8) which are adapted to engage with projecting attachment pins (9) on the second arm (3). A locking means comprising a swinging hook (11) operated by ram (12), is movable between an engaged position wherein the locking means when moved to an engaged position is engaged with at least one attachment pin (9) of the second arm (3), and a disengaged position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an improved extension connector. Preferably the present invention may be adapted to provide an improved connection system between the extension arms of an excavator's working boom and reference throughout this specification will be made to the present invention being used in this application, but those skilled in the art should appreciate that other applications and configurations of the invention are also envisioned.

BACKGROUND ART

Heavy lifting, earth-working, construction or demolition machinery have been developed to manipulate large volumes and weights of material. For example, a common form of equipment used in this field is an excavator, which consists of a main cab, a working boom and an implement or other form of tool connected to the free end of the boom. The boom is manoeuvred to in turn cause the attached implement to carry out useful operations.

Excavator implements include cutting or shearing tools, collection buckets, crushing implements and other similar types of heavy tools. It is common for the working booms of excavators to be formed from two distinct arms which are pivotably connected to one another in series to form a relatively long boom. Hydraulic lines and an associated hydraulic driving ram or rams can be mounted on the first (or primary) arm directly connected to the excavator cab. The ram (or rams) is operated in addition to movement of the first arm, to manoeuvre the second arm of the boom.

Furthermore, hydraulic and electrical lines can also be run the length of the boom to the opposite end of the second arm to operate an implement's driving ram or electrical systems. This particular configuration of an excavator boom allows the attached implement to be manoeuvred freely at distances equal to or less than the combined lengths of the arms forming the boom.

However, in some instances relatively heavy implements can be provided for attachment to the end of an excavator boom. Due to the length of these double arm booms a heavy implement can place a significant bending moment on the boom, which may result in the excavator cab being tipped and the entire excavator assembly becoming unstable when such implements are employed.

To reduce the bending moment applied by heavy implements, excavator operators have the ability to remove the end arm of the boom to in turn shorten the length of the boom. An implement can then be directly connected to the first or primary arm of the boom, thereby reducing the length of the boom and in turn reducing the torque applied to the cab of the excavator. However, removing the second or end arm of an excavator boom is a relatively complicated procedure.

The arms of the boom are relatively heavy and as such require strong and heavy connection linkages when fitted together. These linkages are usually in the form of pins driven through apertures within each component. These attachment pins are driven between the components with a high degree of force to provide a secure connection, and therefore consequently are both difficult to remove or insert into the boom assembly. Furthermore, most excavators also provide hydraulic lines which run the length of the boom. These lines must be entirely disconnected from the excavator and replaced with shorter lines when a single arm only is used to provide the excavator boom.

It would be of advantage to have an improved connection system for excavator arm assemblies which go at least some way towards addressing the above problem. Specifically a connection system which allowed the component arms of an excavator boom to be connected and disconnected from one another safely, easily and quickly would be of advantage. Furthermore, a connection system which also simplified and sped up the connection or supply of hydraulic and/or electrical lines of an excavator when an additional arm is to be removed or attached would be of advantage.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non- specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing the foregoing problems or to at least provide the industry with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus adapted to removably connect an extension arm to the end of an excavator arm to form an extended working boom, the connection apparatus comprising: a body provided with fixed connection means adapted for fixed connection with the end of the excavator arm, said body also provided with removable connection means adapted for removable connection with said excavator arm, wherein said removable connection means includes retention means adapted to engage with said extension arm and,

locking means movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the locking means when in the engaged position is engaged with said extension arm, and when in the disengaged position is disengaged from the extension arm.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus substantially as described above, wherein the end of the excavator arm connected to said body includes at least two attachment pins and said retention means and said locking means are adapted to be engageable with respective attachment pins.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus substantially as described above, wherein the locking means is moved towards the retention means to place the locking means in an engaged position.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus substantially as described above, wherein the retention means comprises a fixed hook.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus substantially as described above, wherein the locking means comprises a swinging hook pivotably connected to the body, whereby said pivotable connection allows the swinging hook to be moved between said engaged and disengaged positions.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus substantially as described above, wherein the fixed connection of the body to the excavator arm is provided through pivotable connection. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus substantially as described above, wherein said fixed connection also includes a pivotable connection to a driving ram associated with the excavator arm.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection apparatus substantially as described above, which includes a supply line linkage adapted to removably connect supply lines associated with the respective excavator and extension arms.

Preferably the present invention is adapted to provide a connection apparatus which can be used to removably connect the ends of two arms together to form a working boom. Reference throughout this specification will also be made to these two components or separate arms being adapted to form the working boom of an excavator or other similar type of heavy machinery. The connection apparatus of the present invention may simplify and speed up the connection of two arms.

Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the present invention providing a connection, quickhitch connector or quickcoupling apparatus for two component arms of an excavator boom. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other configurations of the present invention are envisioned and reference to the above only throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

The connection apparatus includes a body on which elements or components of the apparatus are mounted. This body is provided with a fixed connection to the first of the arms used to provide the working boom. The fixed connection between the body and first arm may be semipermanent in nature and can employ, for example, heavy connection pins driven through both sections of the body and the elements of the first arm involved. These connection pins can therefore be firmly engaged with the body and the first arm, and cannot easily be removed nor inserted through each component and may therefore be considered effectively "fixed".

In a further preferred embodiment the body may be provided with a pivoting fixed connection to the end of the first arm and also a pivoting fixed connection to a driving ram associated with the first arm. This pivotable yet fixed connection of the body to the first arm gives the excavator the ability to manoeuvre and manipulate the boom when formed, where these pivoting connections can be used to tilt or tip the second arm of the boom using the driving ram discussed above.

Preferably, the body may also be removably connected to attachment pins projecting from the second of said arms used to form an excavator's working boom. This removable connection scheme can allow the body to be easily detached or attached to the second arm and therefore provide the quick coupling facility required from the connection apparatus.

Preferably, the attachment pins projecting from the second arm may be displaced from one another on the end of the second arm and the attachment pins associated with the retention means may preferably project out from both sides of the second arm wherein the retention means comprises two fixed hooks, each engageable with a respective attachment pin. This configuration of the second arm's attachment pins allows it to be connected to the body at two separate displaced points to give a stable, strong and safe connection.

Furthermore, through providing attachment pins which project out from the sides of the second arm, this eliminates the need to complete major changes to the structure of the second arm to allow it to engage with a connection apparatus formed in accordance with the present invention. In such embodiments, the attachment pins required can simply be slotted into place in holes bored at the appropriate positions in the end of the second arm and subsequently welded or otherwise permanently connected to the end of the arm.

In a further preferred embodiment a pair of projecting attachment pins only may be provided at the end of the second attachment arm (one engageable with the locking means and the other engageable with the retention means. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other configurations of the present invention are envisioned and more than two projecting attachment arms may be employed if required.

Preferably, a retention means may engage with an attachment pin of the second arm when manoeuvred into a specific position with respect to the second arm. The retention means may be formed from at least one fixed hook or other similar component permanently connected to the main body wherein, through movement of the main body into position and movement of this fixed retention hook or hooks around the attachment pin thereby, connects the body to at least one of the attachment pins of the second arm.

Preferably the retention means may employ a securing means adapted to securely retain an attachment pin located within the fixed hook. Such a securing means may preferably be formed as a latch which is connected to the main body via an attachment means and is located proximate to the fixed hook. The attachment means may be formed from at least one hole formed in the body and at least one complimentary hole formed in the latch such that a connecting pin (also forming a part of the attachment means) may be passed through the aligned holes formed to thereby retain the latch with respect to the main body. Preferably, the attachment means includes at least two holes formed in the latch and the body, each of which receives a connecting pin.

In a further preferred embodiment the attachment means may include a fixed connecting pin and a removable connecting pin. By manually retracting the removable connecting pin from a channel formed through the main body and the latch, the latch may be adapted to pivot about the fixed connecting pin such that an edge or surface of the latch engages with an inner surface of the fixed hook thereby closing the fixed hook. By subsequently passing the removable pin back through the hole from which it was retracted the latch may be locked in a closing configuration with respect to the fixed hook, thereby enabling the secure retaining of an attachment pin positioned within the fixed hook.

In alternative embodiments the latch of the securing means may be adapted to pivot with respect to the main body via hydraulic means and/or may be powered by an existing ram of the excavator.

The provision of such a securing means prevents unintentional dislodgement or disconnection of an attachment pin from the fixed hook during the lowering of the boom of the excavator when, for example, disconnecting the second arm from the body. Accordingly, the securing means of the present invention provides an additional safety feature as the accidental or unexpected dislodgement of the second arm from the body may cause damage or harm to the excavator and/or a human operator(s).

In a preferred embodiment the first arm to which the body has a fixed connection may be a primary arm of the boom which is attached to or adjacent to the excavator cab. In this configuration the second arm of the boom is the secondary or end arm which is in turn adapted to be attached to an implement.

Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the first arm being the primary arm and the second arm being the end arm of the boom. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that this arrangement may be reversed if required.

In a preferred embodiment the locking means provided may engage with a second or further attachment pin projecting from the end of the second arm. This locking means may be moved to engage or disengage with a second attachment pin to securely connect or disconnect the two arms of the excavator boom.

In a further preferred embodiment the locking means may be provided by a swinging hook pivotably connected to the body of the connection apparatus. This swinging hook may be pivoted into engagement with an attachment pin or out of engagement with an attachment pin by an operating system such as an hydraulic ram or other similar component which supplies the force required to move or pivot the swinging hook to in turn operate the present invention. This configuration of the present invention allows both the swinging and fixed hooks of the locking and retention means to be employed to removably connect the connection apparatus to the second arm of a boom. The swinging hook may be pivoted into and out of position to achieve the connection required on demand by an operator.

Although reference throughout this specification will be made to the locking means being provided through a swinging hook pivotably connected or mounted to the body, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other configurations of the present invention are envisioned and reference to the above only throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the locking means may be provided through a fixed hook welded onto a plate which may slide towards or away from an attachment pin.

In a further preferred embodiment the end of the second arm may include outer guide plates which sandwich the ends of the attachment pins between the guide plates and the body of the attachment arm. These outer guide plates can ensure that the hooks of the retention and locking means cannot slide off the ends of the attachment pins when engaged with same.

In a further preferred embodiment the hooks of the locking and retention means may be positioned or located so that these openings face each other when engaged around a pair of attachment pins. This configuration of the connection apparatus allows a second arm to be quickly connected to the first arm. The second arm may be positioned on the ground with the implement end of the arm facing towards the cab of the excavator. The first arm (having the connection apparatus fixed to its free end) may then be manoeuvred to position the body so that the fixed hook or hooks of the retention means will slot around an attachment pin or pins provided in the lower section of the second arm's end. At this point a driving ram associated with the first arm may then pivot the body of the connection apparatus forward so that the locking means' swinging hook is pivoted into position around a second attachment pin of the second arm. The two arms will then be securely connected together, allowing the first arm to be raised up to in turn elevate the second arm.

The provision of a swinging hook as part of a locking means also allows a degree of variation in the displacement or positioning of attachment pins provided on the end of the second arm. As there is some play or travel in the positioning of the locking means' hook through its swinging motion, various different shapes, forms and designs of second arms or excavator booms may be accommodated using the present invention. In a further preferred embodiment the locking means may include additional safety features to ensure that its swinging hook can not accidentally be moved out of engagement with an attachment pin when the excavator boom is assembled. For example, in some instances a check or safety valve may be provided on an operating ram used to move the swinging hook. This valve can ensure that hydraulic fluid trapped within the ram's cylinder remains under pressure and therefore a piston arm used to transmit force to the swinging hook will resist any backward motion of the hook. Furthermore, other safety features such as a locking stop, pin or catch may also be provided in the path of the swinging hook when engaged. A stop may be located against the rear face of the swinging hook, where the stop will physically prevent the hook from moving out of an engaged position.

In a preferred embodiment the body may be formed with or provide a centre mounting plate to which the locking means and retention means may be connected or mounted. Furthermore, when a swinging hook is provided as a locking means, an aperture may be formed in such a mounting plate to allow a full range of motion for the hook to effectively pivot into and out of engagement with an attachment pin. Such a mounting plate may also have an operating ram or other similar driving system for the locking means mounted to it.

In a further preferred embodiment the connection apparatus may include or be associated with a supply line linkage. This linkage may be adapted to removably connect supply lines associated with each of the side arms used to form an excavator boom. These supply lines may, for example, be used to transmit pressurised hydraulic fluid, electrical current or pressurised air down the length of the boom for use with or by implements to be attached to the end of the boom.

In a preferred embodiment the supply line coupler may be formed from two mating plates or blocks which can be moved with respect to one another. Each of these plates may include coupling systems for supply lines on one side and can provide fluid conduits or electrical current paths through to the opposite mating plate or block when these components are moved into engagement with one another.

Supply line connectors may be provided on the opposite faces or sides of these plates so that when supply lines are connected to each plate and the plates are moved together and attached to one another, continuity of fluid and/or current is possible. These lines can in turn be quickly decoupled through movement of the two linkage plates away from one another when, for example, the second arm of the boom is to be disengaged from the first arm.

One of these mating blocks may preferably be directly connected to the excavator end of the second arm of the boom, with the second block plate directly connected to the body of the connection apparatus. Supply lines may then be coupled to the outside faces of each of these plates or blocks. Although reference has been made to the plates being connected to the connection apparatus and the second arm respectively as discussed above, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other arrangements or connection schemes may be employed in other embodiments.

The present invention may provide many potential advantages over the prior art.

The present invention may provide an improved connection apparatus or connection system for the component arms of an excavator boom. Such a connection apparatus can be used to quickly couple or decouple two arms used to form a boom. Furthermore, the connection apparatus provided may also include additional safety features which prevent or secure against the accidental separation of the two arms provided when the excavator boom is operated.

In addition, the present invention may also include a supply line linkage which eliminates the need for all supply lines associated with a double-arm boom to be removed and replaced with shorter lines if a single arm boom is to be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an excavator incorporating a connection apparatus configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention coupling together two arms to provide an extended excavator boom,

Figures 2. 3 and 4 are side, plan and underneath views respectively of the connection apparatus shown in Figure 1 ,

Figures 5a and 5b are side elevational views of the connection apparatus of Figure 1 both prior and subsequent to connection with a second arm, and

Figure 6 is a detailed side elevational view of the securing means of the connection apparatus of Figure 1 in a closed position viewed from the other side of connection apparatus shown in the preceding figures.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a connection apparatus when employed to couple together two arms to provide an excavator boom.

Figure 1 shows a connection apparatus 1 used to connect the primary (or excavator) 2 and secondary (or extension) 3 arms of an excavator boom 4 together. The boom 4 may be manoeuvred by an operator in the excavator cab 5 using a series of controlled driving hydraulic rams. In particular, a second arm driving ram 6 can be linked to the upper portion of the body of the connection apparatus 1 to tilt or pivot the second arm 3 to manoeuvre an implement 7 attached to the free end of the boom. In the embodiment shown the implement employed is a digging bucket 7.

The body of the connection apparatus 1 is provided with a fixed connection to the end of the first or primary arm 2, and also a fixed connection to the end of the primary arm's driving ram 6. In the embodiment shown, a pivoting fixed connection is provided through locking pins driven through apertures within primary arm 2, driving ram 6 and associated body of the connection apparatus 1. These fixed pivoting connections can allow the body of the connection apparatus 1 to be tilted to subsequently tilt the connected second arm of the boom when connected.

The connection apparatus is adapted to provide a removable connection to the end of the second arm 3. This removable connection is shown clearly with respect to Figures 2 through 5. The connection apparatus 1 includes a retention means, shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5 as a pair of fixed hooks 8. The body may be manoeuvred so that these hooks can at least partially encircle and enclose the lower of a pair of attachment pins 9 driven through the main body of the end of the second arm 3. Preferably, when placed in the engaged position shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 5b, these retention hooks are sandwiched between the main body of the second arm 3 and a pair of outer guide plates 10 welded to the exterior of the end of the second arm 3. Guide plates 10 can prevent the fixed retention hooks 8 from sliding off the outer ends of projecting attachment pin or pins 9.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the fixed retention hooks 8 can be engaged with the lower attachment pin 9 by the body being manoeuvred so that the pin will fall or move into the centre of the hooks 8.

The connection apparatus 1 also includes a locking means, which is provided by a swinging hook 11 and associated operating hydraulic ram 12. The swinging hook 11 is pivotably connected to the body of the connection apparatus 1 and can be driven between the disengaged position shown in Figure 5a and the engaged position shown in Figure 5b to connect the locking means to an upper attachment pin 13 of the second arm 3. As can be seen from Figures 5a and 5b, this swinging hook 11 can be pivoted into a position to engage the upper attachment pin 13 of the second arm 3 to removably connect the attachment apparatus to the second arm 3. The use of a swinging hook allows some degree of variation in the spacing or distance between the second arm's attachment pins 9, 13, thereby allowing the same connection apparatus to be used in a number of different designs or configurations of excavator boom arms. Furthermore, having the locking means and retention hooks facing one another when engaged provides a secure and strong removable connection between the first and second arms of the boom.

In the embodiment shown the securing means is formed as a latch 20 which is connected to the body of the connection apparatus 1 and is located proximate to the fixed hook 8. The latch is attached to the connection apparatus 1 via an attachment means formed from at least two holes or apertures 21a and 21b formed in the connection apparatus and at least two complementary holes or apertures 22a and 22b formed in the latch 20.

A fixed connecting pin 23 is permanently located through hole 21 a of the connection apparatus 1 and complimentary hole 22a formed in the latch 20, and another removable connecting pin 24 is removably located through hole 21 b of the connection apparatus 1 and complementary hole 22b formed in the latch 20, thereby maintaining the latch 20 in an open configuration with respect to the fixed hook 8 when all holes are aligned and both pins inserted.

By manually retracting the removable connecting pin 24 from holes 21b and 22b formed through the connection apparatus 1 and the latch 20 respectively, the latch 20 is adapted to pivot about the fixed connecting pin 23 (for example, under its weight) such that an edge or surface of the latch 20 engages with a surface 25 of fixed hook 8. By subsequently returning the removable pin 24 back through hole 22a the latch 20 is locked in a closed configuration with respect to the fixed hook 8, thereby enabling the secure retaining of an attachment pin 9 positioned within the fixed hook 8.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A connection apparatus adapted to removably connect an extension arm to the end of an excavator arm to form an extended working boom, the connection apparatus comprising:

5 a body provided with fixed connection means adapted for fixed connection with the end of the excavator arm, said body also provided with removable connection means adapted for removable connection with said excavator arm, wherein said removable connection means includes retention means adapted to engage with said extension arm and,

0 locking means movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the locking means when in the engaged position is engaged with said extension arm, and when in the disengaged position is disengaged from the extension arm.

2. A connection apparatus substantially as calimed in claim 1 , wherein the locking means comprises a swinging hook pivotably connected to the body, whereby said pivotable

5 connection allows the swinging hook to be moved between said engaged and disengaged positions.

3. A connection apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking means is moved towards the retention means to place the locking means in an engaged position.

!0 4. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means includes a swinging hook pivotably connected to the body, whereby the pivotable connection allows the swinging hook to be moved between said engaged and disengaged positions.

5. A connection apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the swinging hook of the locking means is pivotable into engagement with an attachment pin or out of engagement with an attachment pin.

6. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which further includes an hydraulic ram adapted to move the swinging hook between said engaged and disengaged positions.

7. A connection apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein means are provided to prevent the swinging hook from unintentionally moving out of an engaged position.

8. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means comprises two swinging hooks each adapted to engage with a respective attachment pin projecting from the end of the second arm.

9. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means comprises a fixed hook welded onto a plate adapted to slide towards or away from an attachment pin.

10. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retention means comprises a fixed hook.

11. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking and retention means each comprise hooks having openings facing each other when engaged around respective attachment pin provided on the end of said excavator arm.

12. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed connection also includes a pivotable connection to the end of a driving ram associated with the excavator arm.

13. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a securing means adapted to securely retain an attachment pin located within the fixed hook.

14. A connection apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the securing means is formed as a latch.

15. A connection apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the latch is connected to the main body a fixed connecting pin and a removable connecting pin.

16. A connection apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the securing means include two apertures formed in the body and two complementary apertures formed in the latch one of which receives said fixed connecting pin and the other of which receives said removable connecting pin.

17. A connection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a supply line linkage adapted to removably connect supply lines for pressurised hydraulic fluid, electrical current or pressurised air.

18. A connection apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.