Hydraulic latch pin assembly for coupling a tool to a construction equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a coupling assembly and method for coupling a tool to a dipperstick, or arm, on an apparatus which has a hydraulic system for moving the tool. The coupling assembly includes a coupler body having link structure for pivotally coupling to the dipperstick. A latch member is movable between an engaged position for engaging the tool and a disengaged position for disengaging from the tool. A spring is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the latch member to the engaged position. A hydraulic motor has a part that is stationary relative to the coupler body and a movable part that can be extended relative to the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the hydraulic motor. The movable part is coupled to the latch member such that extension of the movable part urges the latch member to the retracted position in opposition to the spring force.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An assembly for urging a latch member of tool coupler into and out of engagement with a tool that is detachable from the tool coupler, comprising: 
       a hydraulic motor on the tool coupler, the hydraulic motor having a stationary part and a movable part that extends from the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the hydraulic motor;  
       a latch coupling assembly coupling between a latch member and the movable part of the hydraulic motor, structured and arranged to urge the latch member to a disengaged position when the movable part is extended;  
       a valve assembly operably coupled to the one end of the hydraulic motor, including a first position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid drain line to allow fluid to flow through the fluid drain line to a drain from the hydraulic motor while preventing fluid flow toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the one end of the hydraulic motor can be depressurized with the valve assembly in the first position, and a second position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid pressure line so as to allow fluid flow only in a direction from the valve assembly toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the hydraulic motor can be pressurized by applying hydraulic pressure to the fluid pressure line with the valve assembly in the second position; and  
       a valve control operating the valve assembly into one or the other of the first and second positions.  
     
     
       2. The assembly of claim  1 , wherein the valve assembly comprises: 
       a first movable valve being structured and arranged to prevent fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the one end of the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in the first position and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in the second position; and  
       a second movable valve being positioned in the fluid drain line so as to allow fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the fluid drain line when the valve assembly is in the first position and to prevent fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the fluid drain line when the valve assembly is in the second position.  
     
     
       3. The assembly of claim  2 , wherein the valve assembly further comprises a non-return valve being positioned in the fluid pressure line in series with the first movable valve so as to permit fluid flow therethrough only in a direction toward the hydraulic motor. 
     
     
       4. The assembly of claim  3 , wherein the non-return valve is positioned in the fluid pressure line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the first movable valve. 
     
     
       5. The assembly of claim  3 , wherein the non-return valve is fixed in position in the fluid pressure line. 
     
     
       6. The assembly of claim  1 , wherein: 
       the coupling between the valve assembly and the one end of the hydraulic motor comprises a single fluid line;  
       the valve assembly comprises a movable first valve connecting to the single fluid line and a movable second valve connecting between the first valve and the fluid pressure line and the fluid drain line;  
       the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid drain line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line when the valve assembly is in the first position, allowing fluid to flow in both directions through the single fluid line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the fluid drain line; and  
       the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid pressure line and the first valve couples the second valve to the signal fluid line through a non-return valve portion when the valve assembly is in the first position, the non-return valve portion allowing fluid to flow through the single fluid line only in a direction from the fluid pressure line toward the hydraulic motor.  
     
     
       7. The assembly of claim  1 , wherein a spring is arranged to urge the latch member toward an engaged position, the hydraulic motor acting in opposition to the spring when extending the movable part. 
     
     
       8. The assembly of claim  1 , wherein the latch member comprises a latch pin, the latch pin being retracted in the tool coupler in the disengaged position and extending from the tool coupler in an engaged position. 
     
     
       9. The assembly of claim  1 , wherein the valve assembly comprises solenoid actuated valves that are de-energized in the first position and energized in the second position. 
     
     
       10. The assembly of claim  1 , further comprising the tool coupler, the tool coupler comprising: 
       a coupler body relative to which the stationary part of the hydraulic motor is stationary; and  
       the latch member being movable between an engaged position for engaging the tool, and a disengaged position for disengaging from the tool.  
     
     
       11. The assembly of claim  1 , wherein the latch member comprises a latch pin, the latch pin being retracted in the tool coupler in the disengaged position and extending from the tool coupler in an engaged position. 
     
     
       12. The coupling assembly of claim  11 , wherein the hydraulic motor is positioned on an axis different from an axis defined by the latch pin. 
     
     
       13. A quick-release coupling assembly for connecting a tool to an earth-working or construction equipment, comprising: 
       a coupler body, including link structure for pivotally coupling to an arm of the earth-working or construction equipment;  
       a latch member movable between an engaged position for engaging the tool, and a disengaged position for disengaging from the tool;  
       a spring structured and arranged to provide a spring force that urges the latch member to the engaged position;  
       a hydraulic motor having a stationary part relative to the coupler body and a movable part that can be extended relative to the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the hydraulic motor, the movable part being coupled to the latch member such that extension of the movable part urges the latch member to the disengaged position in opposition to the spring force; and  
       a valve assembly operably coupled to the one end of the hydraulic motor, including a first position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid drain line to allow fluid to flow through the fluid drain line to a drain from the hydraulic motor while preventing fluid flow toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the one end of the hydraulic motor can be depressurized with the valve assembly in the first position, and a second position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid pressure line so as to allow fluid flow only in a direction from the valve assembly toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the hydraulic motor can be pressurized by applying hydraulic pressure to the fluid pressure line with the valve assembly in the second position; and  
       a valve control operating the valve assembly into one or the other of the first and second positions.  
     
     
       14. The coupling assembly of claim  13 , the valve assembly comprising solenoid actuated valves, the valve control being structured and arranged to energize the solenoid actuated valves to move the valve assembly from the first position to the second position, and to de-energize the solenoid actuated valves to return the valve assembly to the first position. 
     
     
       15. The coupling assembly of claim  13 , wherein the valve assembly comprises: 
       a first movable valve being structured and arranged to prevent fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the one end of the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in the first position and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in a second position; and  
       a second movable valve being positioned in the fluid drain line so as to allow fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the fluid drain line when the valve assembly is in the first position and to prevent fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the fluid drain line when the valve assembly is in the second position.  
     
     
       16. The coupling assembly of claim  15 , wherein the valve assembly further comprises a non-return valve being positioned in the fluid pressure line in series with the first movable valve so as to permit fluid flow therethrough only in a direction toward the hydraulic motor. 
     
     
       17. The coupling assembly of claim  16 , wherein the non-return valve is fixed in position in the fluid pressure line. 
     
     
       18. The coupling assembly of claim  13 , wherein: 
       the coupling between the valve assembly and the one end of the hydraulic motor comprises a single fluid line;  
       the valve assembly comprises a movable first valve connecting to the single fluid line and a movable second valve connecting between the first valve and the fluid pressure line and the fluid drain line;  
       the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid drain line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line when the valve assembly is in the first position, allowing fluid to flow in both directions through the single fluid line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the fluid drain line; and  
       the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid pressure line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line through a non-return valve portion when the valve assembly is in the first position, the non-return valve portion allowing fluid to flow through the single fluid line only in a direction from the fluid pressure line toward the hydraulic motor.  
     
     
       19. An earth-working or construction equipment adapted for the rapid connection and disconnection of a tool, the equipment comprising: 
       a coupler adapted for engaging the tool, including a coupler body, a latch member movable between an engaged position for engaging the tool and a disengaged position for disengaging from the tool, a spring structured and arranged to provide a spring force that urges the latch member to the engaged position, and a first hydraulic motor having a stationary part that is stationary relative to the coupler body and a movable part that can be extended relative to the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the first hydraulic motor, the movable part being coupled to the latch member such that extension of the movable part urges the latch member to the disengaged position in opposition to the spring force;  
       a linkage adapted for engaging the coupler body;  
       a valve assembly operably coupled to the one end of the hydraulic motor, including a first position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid drain line to allow fluid to flow through the fluid drain line to a drain from the hydraulic motor while preventing fluid flow toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the one end of the hydraulic motor can be depressurized with the valve assembly in the first position, and a second position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid pressure line so as to allow fluid flow only in a direction from the valve assembly toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the hydraulic motor can be pressurized by applying hydraulic pressure to the fluid pressure line with the valve assembly in the second position; and  
       a valve control operating the valve assembly into one or the other of the first and second positions.  
     
     
       20. The equipment of claim  19 , wherein the valve assembly comprises: 
       a first movable valve being structured and arranged to prevent fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the one end of the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in the first position and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in a second position; and  
       a second movable valve being positioned in the fluid drain line so as to allow fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the fluid drain line when the valve assembly is in the first position and to prevent fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the fluid drain line when the valve assembly is in the second position.  
     
     
       21. The equipment of claim  20 , wherein the valve assembly further comprises a non-return valve bieng positioned in the fluid pressure line in series with the first movable valve so as to permit fluid flow therethrough only in a direction toward the hydraulic motor. 
     
     
       22. The equipment of claim  21 , wherein the non-return valve is fixed in position in the fluid pressure line. 
     
     
       23. The equipment of claim  19 , wherein: 
       the coupling between the valve assembly and the one end of the hydraulic motor comprises a single fluid line;  
       the valve assembly comprises a movable first valve connecting to the single fluid line and a movable second valve connecting between the first valve and the fluid pressure line and the fluid drain line;  
       the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid drain line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line when the valve assembly is in the first position, allowing fluid to flow in both directions through the single fluid line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the fluid drain line; and  
       the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid pressure line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line through a non-return valve portion when the valve assembly is in the first position, the non-return valve portion allowing fluid to flow through the single fluid line only in a direction from the fluid pressure line toward the hydraulic motor.  
     
     
       24. The equipment of claim  19 , wherein the latch member comprises a latch pin, the latch pin being extracted in the tool coupler in the disengaged position and extending from the tool coupler in the engaged position. 
     
     
       25. The equipment of claim  19 , wherein the linkage includes a pivot axis and a second hydraulic motor, an end of the second hydraulic motor being coupled to the coupler body to rotate the coupler body around the pivot axis, and wherein the fluid pressure line is operably coupled to one end of the second hydraulic motor to provide hydraulic pressure to the one end of the first hydraulic motor when pressure is applied to the one end of the second hydraulic motor and the valve assembly is in the second position. 
     
     
       26. An assembly for urging a latch member of a tool coupler into an extended position for securing a tool to the coupler and into a retracted position for releasing the tool from the coupler, the tool being detachable from the tool coupler, the assembly comprising: 
       
         a hydraulic motor on the coupler, the hydraulic motor having a stationary part and a movable part that extends from the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the hydraulic motor;  
       
       
         a latch coupling assembly coupling between a latch member and the movable part of the hydraulic motor, structured and arranged to urge the latch member to a retracted position when the movable part is extended;  
       
       
         a valve assembly operably coupled to the one end of the hydraulic motor, including a first position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid drain line to allow fluid to flow through the fluid drain line to a drain from the hydraulic motor while preventing fluid flow toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the one end of the hydraulic motor can be depressurized with the valve assembly in the first position, and a second position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid pressure line so as to allow fluid flow only in a direction from the valve assembly toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the hydraulic motor can be pressurized by applying hydraulic pressure to the fluid pressure line with the valve assembly in the second position; and  
       
       
         a valve control operating the valve assembly into one or the other of the first and second positions. 
       
     
     
       27. The assembly of claim  26 , wherein the valve assembly comprises: 
       
         a first movable valve being structured and arranged to prevent fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the one end of the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in the first position and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in a second position; and  
       
       
         a second movable valve being positioned in the fluid drain line so as to allow fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the drain line when the valve assembly is in the first position and to prevent fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the drain line when the valve assembly is in the second position. 
       
     
     
       28. The assembly of claim  27 , wherein the valve assembly further comprises a non- return valve being positioned in the fluid pressure line in series with the first movable valve so as to permit fluid flow therethrough only in a direction toward the hydraulic motor.   
     
     
       29. The assembly of claim  28 , wherein the non- return valve is positioned in the fluid pressure line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the first movable valve.   
     
     
       30. The assembly of claim  28 , wherein the non- return valve is fixed in position in the fluid pressure line.   
     
     
       31. The assembly of claim  26 , wherein: 
       
         the coupling between the valve assembly and the one end of the hydraulic motor comprises a single fluid line;  
       
       
         the valve assembly comprises a movable first valve connecting to the single fluid line and a movable second valve connecting between the first valve and the fluid pressure line and the fluid drain line;  
       
       
         the second valve couples the first valve to the drain line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line when the valve assembly is in the first position, allowing fluid to flow in both directions through the single fluid line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the fluid drain line; and  
       
         the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid pressure line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line through a non - return valve portion when the valve assembly is in the first position, the non - return valve portion allowing fluid to flow through the single fluid line only in a direction from the fluid pressure line toward the hydraulic motor.   
     
     
       32. The assembly of claim  26 , wherein a spring is arranged to urge the latch member toward an extended position, the hydraulic motor acting in opposition to the spring when extending the movable part. 
     
     
       33. The assembly of claim  26 , wherein the latch member comprises a pin. 
     
     
       34. The assembly of claim  26 , wherein the valve assembly comprises solenoid actuated valves that are de- energized in the first position and energized in the second position.   
     
     
       35. The assembly of claim  26 , further comprising the tool coupler, the tool coupler comprising: 
       
         a coupler body relative to which the stationary part of the hydraulic motor is stationary; and  
       
       
         the latch member being movable between an extended position for securing the tool, and a retracted position for releasing the tool. 
       
     
     
       36. A quick- release coupling assembly for connecting a tool to an earth - working or construction equipment, comprising:    
         a coupler body, including link structure for pivotally coupling to an arm of the earth - working or construction equipment;    
       
         a latch member movable between an extended position for securing the tool, and a retracted position for releasing the tool;  
       
       
         a spring structured and arranged to provide a spring force that urges the latch member to the extended position;  
       
       
         a hydraulic motor having a stationary part relative to the coupler body and a movable part that can be extended relative to the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the hydraulic motor, the movable part being coupled to the latch member such that extension of the movable part urges the latch member to the retracted position in opposition to the spring force; and  
       
       
         a valve assembly operably coupled to the one end of the hydraulic motor, including a first position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid drain line to allow fluid to flow through the fluid drain line to a drain from the hydraulic motor while preventing fluid flow toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the one end of the hydraulic motor can be depressurized with the valve assembly in the first position, and a second position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid pressure line so as to allow fluid flow only in a direction from the valve assembly toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the hydraulic motor can be pressurized by applying hydraulic pressure to the fluid pressure line with the valve assembly in the second position; and  
       
       
         a valve control operating the valve assembly into one or the other of the first and second positions. 
       
     
     
       37. The coupling assembly of claim  36 , the valve assembly comprising solenoid actuated valves, the valve control being structured and arranged to energize the solenoid actuated valves to move the valve assembly from the first position to the second position, and to de- energize the solenoid actuated valves to return the valve assembly to the first position.   
     
     
       38. The coupling assembly of claim  36 , wherein the valve assembly comprises: 
       
         a first movable valve being structured and arranged to prevent fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the one end of the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in the first position and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in a second position; and  
       
       
         a second movable valve being positioned in the fluid drain line so as to allow fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the drain line when the valve assembly is in the first position and to prevent fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the drain line when the valve assembly is in the second position. 
       
     
     
       39. The coupling assembly of claim  38 , wherein the valve assembly further comprises a non- return valve being positioned in the fluid pressure line in series with the first movable valve so as to permit fluid flow therethrough only in a direction toward the hydraulic motor.   
     
     
       40. The coupling assembly of claim  39 , wherein the non- return valve is fixed in position in the fluid pressure line.   
     
     
       41. The coupling assembly of claim  36 , wherein: 
       
         the coupling between the valve assembly and the one end of the hydraulic motor comprises a single fluid line;  
       
       
         the valve assembly comprises a movable first valve connecting to the single fluid line and a movable second valve connecting between the first valve and the fluid pressure line and the fluid drain line;  
       
       
         the second valve couples the first valve to the drain line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line when the valve assembly is in the first position, allowing fluid to flow in both directions through the single fluid line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the fluid drain line; and  
       
         the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid pressure line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line through a non - return valve portion when the valve assembly is in the first position, the non - return valve portion allowing fluid to flow through the single fluid line only in a direction from the fluid pressure line toward the hydraulic motor.   
     
     
       42. The assembly of claim  36 , wherein the latch member comprises a pin. 
     
     
       43. The coupling assembly of claim  42 , wherein the hydraulic motor is positioned on an axis different form an axis defined by the latch pin. 
     
     
       44. An earth- working equipment or the like adapted for the rapid connection and disconnection of a tool, the equipment comprising:    
       
         a coupler adapted for engaging the tool, including a coupler body, a latch member movable between an extended position for securing the tool to the coupler and a retracted position for releasing the tool, a spring structured and arranged to provide a spring force that urges the latch member to the extended position, and a first hydraulic motor having a stationary part relative to the coupler body and a movable part that can be extended relative to the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the first hydraulic motor, the movable part being coupled to the latch member such that extension of the movable part urges the latch member to the retracted position in opposition to the spring force;  
       
       
         a linkage adapted for engaging the coupler body;  
       
       
         a valve assembly operably coupled to the one end of the hydraulic motor, including a first position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid drain line to allow fluid to flow through the fluid drain line to a drain from the hydraulic motor while preventing fluid flow toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the one end of the hydraulic motor can be depressurized with the valve assembly in the first position, and a second position operably coupling the one end of the hydraulic motor to a fluid pressure line so as to allow fluid flow only in a direction from the valve assembly toward the hydraulic motor, whereby the hydraulic motor can be pressurized by applying hydraulic pressure to the fluid pressure line with the valve assembly in the second position; and  
       
       
         a valve control operating the valve assembly into one or the other of the first and second positions. 
       
     
     
       45. The equipment of claim  44 , wherein the valve assembly comprises: 
       
         a first movable valve being structured and arranged to prevent fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the one end of the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in the first position and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pressure line to the hydraulic motor when the valve assembly is in a second position; and  
       
       
         a second movable valve being positioned in the fluid drain line so as to allow fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the drain line when the valve assembly is in the first position and to prevent fluid flow away from the hydraulic motor through the drain line when the valve assembly is in the second position. 
       
     
     
       46. The equipment of claim  45 , wherein the valve assembly further comprises a non- return valve being positioned in the fluid pressure line in series with the first movable valve so as to permit fluid flow therethrough only in a direction toward the hydraulic motor.   
     
     
       47. The equipment of claim  46 , wherein the non- return valve is fixed in position in the fluid pressure line.   
     
     
       48. The equipment of claim  44 , wherein: 
       
         the coupling between the valve assembly and the one end of the hydraulic motor comprises a single fluid line;  
       
       
         the valve assembly comprises a movable first valve connecting to the single fluid line and a movable second valve connecting between the first valve and the fluid pressure line and the fluid drain line;  
       
       
         the second valve couples the first valve to the drain line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line when the valve assembly is in the first position, allowing fluid to flow in both directions through the single fluid line between the one end of the hydraulic motor and the fluid drain line; and  
       
         the second valve couples the first valve to the fluid pressure line and the first valve couples the second valve to the single fluid line through a non - return valve portion when the valve assembly is in the first position, the non - return valve portion allowing fluid to flow through the single fluid line only in a direction from the fluid pressure line toward the hydraulic motor.   
     
     
       49. The equipment of claim  44 , wherein the latch member comprises a pin. 
     
     
       50. The equipment of claim  44 , wherein the linkage includes a pivot axis and a second hydraulic motor, an end of the second hydraulic motor being coupled to the coupler body to rotate the coupler body around the pivot axis, and wherein the fluid pressure line is operably coupled to one end of the second hydraulic motor to provide hydraulic pressure to the one end of the first hydraulic motor when pressure is applied to the one end of the second hydraulic motor and the valve assembly is in the second position.