SE1950076A1

SE1950076A1 - A tool coupler and a tiltrotator and crane arm comprising such a tool coupler

Info

Publication number: SE1950076A1
Application number: SE1950076A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Niklas Bjuhr; Pär Olofsson
Original assignee: Rototilt Group Ab
Priority date: 2019-01-23
Filing date: 2019-01-23
Publication date: 2020-07-24
Also published as: WO2020151877A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool coupler (10) for connecting a hydraulic tool (102) to a crane arm (101). The tool coupler (10) comprises a quick coupling unit (14) and a hydraulic coupling (15) arranged in a through hole (22) in the quick coupling unit (14). The hydraulic coupling (15) has a first portion (151) protruding from a first side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14) and being arranged to be connected to a hydraulic coupling (5) of a quick coupling unit (4) of a tool bracket (1). The first portion (151) of the hydraulic coupling (15) further has a shoulder (154) arranged to abut the first side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14) to prevent movement of the hydraulic coupling (15) in an axial direction thereof.

Description

A TOOL COUPLER AND A TILTROTATOR AND CRANE ARM COMPRISING SUCH A TOOL COUPLER TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to tool coupler for attaching a hydraulic tool to a crane arm. Theinvention also relates to a tiltrotator including such a tool coupler, and to a crane arm including such a tool coupler.BACKGROUND ln construction work, forest keeping and the like it is common practice to utilise a workvehicle, such as an excavator, with a crane arm with an outer end for connecting ahydraulic tool such as a tiltrotator, compactor, hydraulic hammer, grapple, pallet loader orthe like. The work vehicle typically comprises a hydraulic pump and a tank for providinghydraulic fluid to the hydraulic tool. Hydraulic hoses are arranged along the crane armand hydraulic couplings are arranged at the outer end of the crane arm.

Often, it is desired to use different hydraulic tools for performing different but relatedworking operations. There is therefore a need for an operator to change hydraulic tool ina quick manner, preferably without outside assistance. As a consequence, it has becomeconventional to arrange a quick coupling on a coupler on the outer end of the crane armand a mating quick coupling on the hydraulic tool such that the operator may switchhydraulic tools and have them provided with hydraulics without leaving the cab of the work vehicle.

US 5 465 513 A discloses an arrangement for quickly coupling a working implement to aheavy-duty machine and simultaneously connecting hydraulic power to the implementusing a hydraulic hose coupling. A female part of the hydraulic hose coupling is mountedon a movable part of the quick coupling and arranged to be coupled to a male part of acorresponding hydraulic hose coupling mounted on the working implement.

EP 1 999 403 B1 discloses a similar arrangement using a hydraulic coupling device toconnect hydraulic power to a working implement. The hydraulic coupling devicecomprises a coupling unit, a holder block to which the coupling unit is mounted, and alock nut for screw-mounting the coupling unit to the holder block. The lock nut is designedto be easily fastened without requiring a large space in the radial direction.

The screw-mounting in EP 1 999 403 B1 provides ajoint between the coupling unit andthe holding block that can resist very high pressures, and that is stable and free of play.

The fact that the joint in EP 1 999 403 B1 is free of play may be a disadvantage in somescenarios, as a proper attachment between the coupling unit and a matching couplingunit requires one side to be arranged in a non-rigid manner so as to allow a certain tolerance in the mutual positions of the mating coupling units.

Furthermore, although the mounting of the coupling unit in EP 1 999 403 B1 is adapted tofit in a small space, it has the disadvantage that screw-mounting with a specific tool isrequired. lt would be advantageous to achieve a hydraulic coupling that overcomes, or at leastalleviates one or more of these drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION lt is an object of the invention to provide a tool coupler for connecting a hydraulic tool to acrane arm which provides a robust and simple hydraulic coupling with improvedmechanical properties.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a tool coupler for connecting ahydraulic tool to a crane arm, the tool coupler comprises a quick coupling unit and ahydraulic coupling arranged in a through hole in the quick coupling unit, the hydrauliccoupling having a first portion protruding from a first side of the quick coupling unit, asecond portion arranged at a second side of the quick coupling unit opposite the first sideof the quick coupling unit, and a third portion extending through the through hole in thequick coupling unit, the first portion being arranged to be connected to a hydrauliccoupling of a quick coupling unit of a tool bracket and the second portion being arrangedto be connected to a hydraulic conduit connector. The first portion of the hydrauliccoupling has a shoulder arranged to abut the first side of the quick coupling unit.

An advantage of the inventive tool coupler is that the shoulder of the hydraulic couplingprovides a robust and simple way of counteracting important separation forces in thehydraulic system. ln addition, the mounting of the hydraulic coupling is simplified as noscrew-mounting is required at the first portion of the hydraulic coupling. Furthermore, theconstruction allows for a construction in which the individual hydraulic couplings mayrotate, tilt and slide with respect to the through hole in the quick coupling unit. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, the shoulder of the first portion of thehydraulic coupling comprises a shoulder surface arranged to abut an abutment surface on the first side of the quick coupling unit surrounding the opening of the through hole inthe quick coupling unit. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, the abutment surface is comprised on a ledgesurrounding the opening of the through hole in the quick coupling unit.

When the shoulder surface of the first portion abuts the abutment surface on the ledge,the first portion of the hydraulic coupling is positioned within the ledge. The hydrauliccoupling is thereby securely mounted to the quick coupling unit. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, at least one of the first portion, the secondportion, and the third portion of the hydraulic coupling is cy|indrica| with a circular cross- section. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, the first portion of the hydraulic coupling has afirst diameter and the third portion of the hydraulic coupling has a second diameter whichis smaller than the first diameter, and the shoulder of the first portion of the hydrauliccoupling is formed by the transition from first diameter to the second diameter.

The difference in diameter between the first portion and the third portion provides an easyway to form the shoulder of the first portion. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, the third portion of the hydraulic coupling hasa second diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the through hole in the quickcoupling unit to provide play between the hydraulic coupling and the through hole alongthe whole extension of the third portion of the hydraulic coupling.

The play between the hydraulic coupling and the through hole allows the hydrauliccoupling to rotate, tilt and slide with respect to the through hole in the quick coupling unitinside said through hole. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, the second portion of the hydraulic coupling isarranged to be connected to a hydraulic conduit connector with a screw connection.

The screw connection provides a robust connection between the second portion of the hydraulic coupling and the hydraulic conduit connector. Furthermore, the play provided between the hydraulic coupling and the through hole allows the screw connection to befastened by rotating the hydraulic coupling at location inside the through hole, such thatthe hydraulic conduits need not be rotated. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, the second portion of the hydraulic couplingcomprises a locking part arranged to receive a locking device.

With the locking part of the second portion the locking device can be securely attached tothe second portion, thereby preventing axial movement of the hydraulic coupling from thesecond side to the first side of the quick coupling unit. ln specific embodiments of the first aspect, the hydraulic coupling is a female hydrauliccoupling arranged to be coupled to a mating male hydraulic coupling of the quickcoupling unit of a tool bracket.

According to a second aspect the invention relates to a tiltrotator comprising a toolcoupler according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect the invention relates to a crane arm comprising a tool coupleraccording to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect the invention relates to a method for mounting a hydrauliccoupling in a through hole in a quick coupling unit of a tool coupler, the hydraulic couplinghaving a first portion arranged to protrude from a first side of the quick coupling unit, asecond portion arranged at a second side of the quick coupling unit opposite the first sideof the quick coupling unit, and a third portion arranged to extend through the through holein the quick coupling unit, the first portion being arranged to be connected to a hydrauliccoupling of a quick coupling unit of a tool bracket and having a shoulder arranged to abutthe first side of the quick coupling unit, the second portion being arranged to beconnected to a hydraulic conduit connector, the method comprises inserting the hydraulic coupling into the through hole in the quick coupling unitfrom the first side of the quick coupling unit; connecting the second portion of the hydraulic coupling to a hydraulic conduitconnector by rotating the hydraulic coupling with respect to the hydraulic conduit connector, or vice versa.The method according to the fourth aspect allows the hydraulic coupling to be mounted tothe quick coupling unit in a simple way which does not require the hydraulic conduit COnneCtOl' tO FOÉGIG. ln specific embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises attaching a Iocking device to a looking part of the second portion of thehydraulic coupling such that the Iocking device abuts the second side of the quick coupling unit.

Other embodiments and advantages will be apparent from the detailed description andthe appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Below, specific embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to theappended drawings, of which; Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a work vehicle with a crane arm and a hydraulic toolarranged to said crane arm via a tool coupler and a tool bracket; Fig. 2 is a cut perspective view of a tool coupler partly connected to a tool bracket;Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tool coupler, a cylinder lock unit and a tool bracket; Fig. 4 is a cut perspective view of a tool bracket and a disconnected coupling unit of atool coupler; Fig. 5 is a cut perspective view of a tool bracket and an interconnected coupling unitof a tool coupler; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a tiltrotator comprising a tool bracket and a tool coupler,to which a hydraulic tool is connected; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tiltrotator comprising a tool bracket and a tool coupler; Fig. 8 is a cut perspective view of a cylinder lock unit of a tool coupler, with anintegrated quick coupling unit; Fig. 9 is a cut perspective view of a quick coupling unit and a hydraulic coupling;Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a quick coupling unit and a hydraulic coupling; andFig. 11 is a perspective view of a bracket with a quick coupling unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EI\/IBODII\/IENTS Fig. 1 shows a work vehicle 100 with a crane arm 101, to which a hydraulic tool 102 isconnected. ln the shown embodiment the hydraulic tool 102 is a compactor, but it may be any hydraulic tool adapted to be coupled to a crane arm, such as a tiltrotator, hydraulichammer, crusher grapple, pallet loader or the like.

The crane arm 101 is provided with a tool coupler 10 at its outer end for connecting thehydraulic tool 102. The hydraulic tool 102 comprises a bracket 1 for attachment to saidtool coupler 10. ln the shown embodiment a tiltrotator 30 is arranged between the cranearm 101 and the hydraulic tool 102. The hydraulic tool 102 may however also be arranged directly to the coupler 10 on the crane arm 101.

The tiltrotator 30 is provided with a bracket for connecting to a coupler of a crane arm atits upper end, and a tool coupler, for connection to the hydraulic tool at its lower end.Thus, the tool coupler 10 may be arranged on the outer end of the crane arm 101 asshown in Fig. 1 or at the lower end of a tiltrotator as will be described below withreference to Figs. 6 and 7. ln Fig. 3 a tool coupler 10, a cylinder lock unit 20 and a tool bracket 1 are shown asseparate parts. The cylinder lock unit 20 comprises two lock pins 21 which in operationare arranged to be received in through holes 17 in a base 11 that that constitutes thelower portion of the tool coupler 10. ln a conventional manner, the tool bracket 1 comprises a first and a second bracket pin 2and 3, respectively, arranged in parallel at a distance from each other. The tool bracket 1is arranged to be connected to the tool coupler 10, which is typically arranged on the freeend of a crane arm or a tiltrotator. The tool coupler 10 comprises an upper coupler end16 with attachment portions 18 for connection to a crane arm or the like. ln the shownembodiment, the attachment portions 18 are comprised of through holes adapted toreceive holding pins of the crane arm.

At the lower end of the tool coupler 10, i.e. at the base 11, the tool coupler 10 comprises a first engagement portion 12 and a second engagement portion 13 that are arranged to engage with the first and second bracket pins 2 and 3 of a tool bracket 1, respectively, soas to securely lock the tool bracket 1 to the tool coupler 10.

The cylinder lock unit 20, which is also shown in a cut perspective view in Fig. 9,comprises the quick coupling unit 14 of the coupler 10, which comprises through holes 22for receiving hydraulic couplings 15.

The tool bracket 1 comprises a quick coupling unit 4 comprising at least two hydrauliccouplings 5. ln the shown embodiment, the quick coupling unit 4 comprises four hydraulic couplings. The tool bracket 1 comprises a bracket plate 6 which extends between thebracket pins 2 and 3 and is fixedly connected to said bracket pins 2 and 3 and isarranged to be part of a hydraulic tool or to be rigidly attached to a hydraulic tool. ln theshown embodiment, the tool bracket 1 is a separate part intended to be attached to anupper portion of a hydraulic tool, such as a tiltrotator, a compactor, a hydraulic hammer, agrapple or the like.

The shown tool bracket 1 further comprises a lubrication connector 9 for connection to aconnectable lubrication dispenser 19 (shown in Fig. 2) arranged on the tool coupler 10.This connection assures that lubrication fluid is provided to the hydraulic tool attached tothe tool bracket 1.

The act of attaching the tool bracket 1 to the tool coupler 10 is performed by manoeuvringthe tool coupler 10 so as to firstly engage the first engagement portion 12 of the toolcoupler 10 with the first bracket pin 2 of the tool bracket 1. At this step the connectablelubrication dispenser 19 will be positioned above, but not in contact with, the lubricationconnector 9. ln a second step, the second engagement portion 13 is lowered so as toarrive at a position in contact with the second bracket pin 3. ln this step, contact andconnection is achieved between the connectable lubrication dispenser 19 and thelubrication connector 9 as the second engagement portion 13 is lowered. ln a subsequent step, the cylinder lock unit 20 is manoeuvred such that the two lock pins21 will protrude through the through holes 17 of the tool coupler 10 and pass under thesecond bracket pin 3 so as to securely lock the tool bracket 1 to the tool coupler 10.Preferably, the hydraulic connection is accomplished simultaneously as the two lock pins21 are secured beneath the second bracket pin 3. ln Fig. 2, the tool coupler 10 is shown with both the first and the second engagementportions 12 and 13, respectively, positioned in contact with the first and the secondbracket pin 2 and 3, respectively. The two lock pins 21 of the cylinder lock unit 20 arepositioned in an unlocked position and the quick coupling unit 14 of the tool coupler 10 isin a release position with respect to the quick coupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1.

Hydraulic conduits 23 are provided and attached to a back end of each hydraulic coupling15 of the quick coupling unit 14 of the tool coupler 10. The hydraulic conduits 23 arearranged to provide the hydraulic tool with pressurized hydraulic fluid, typically from apump arranged on the vehicle. Likewise, corresponding hydraulic conduits (not shown)are connected to the back end of each hydraulic coupling 5 of the quick coupling unit 4 ofthe tool bracket 1 and connected to the hydraulic tool comprising said tool bracket 1.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the two lock pins 21 of the cylinder lock unit 20 of the shownembodiment will make sure that the quick coupling unit 14 of the tool coupler 10 willmove transversely in and out of connection with the quick coupling unit 4 of the toolbracket 1 as the cylinder lock unit 20 is transferred between a locking position and arelease position. The quick coupling unit 14 of the tool coupler 10 comprises at least twohydraulic couplings 15 for connection to corresponding hydraulic couplings 5 of the quickcoupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1. ln the shown embodiment, the quick coupling unit 14of the tool coupler 10 is arranged in connection with the cylinder lock unit 20 such thatsaid quick coupling unit 14 will be positioned into a connected position in a movementrelated to the locking achieved by the positioning of the two lock pins 21 below thesecond bracket pin 3. ln Figs. 6 and 7, a tiltrotator 30 is shown. The tiltrotator 30 comprises a tool bracket 1 atits upper end, which tool bracket 1 is coupled to a tool coupler 10 via bracket pins 2' and3' at its upper end, said tool coupler 10 in turn being arranged at a crane arm or the like,not shown. At its lower end the tiltrotator 30 comprises a tool coupler 10, which in Fig. 6is connected to a hydraulic tool 102, in the form of a compactor, said hydraulic tool 102comprising a tool bracket 1. ln Fig. 7, the tiltrotator 30 is illustrated without a coupled hydraulic tool. lnstead a toolbracket 1 without an accompanying hydraulic tool is attached to the coupler 10 of thetiltrotator 30.

The connection between the hydraulic couplings 15 of the tool coupler 10 and thehydraulic couplings 5 of the tool bracket 1 demands a high precision and a constructionthat is adapted to cope with relatively high forces. Specifically, the tool coupler 10 andtool bracket 1 may be used in relatively harsh conditions, in which they may be exposedto dynamic forces of various types. Further, the quick coupling units 4 and 14 need to bearranged so as to cope with the forces provided by the pressurized hydraulic fluid.Specifically, in a connected position, the pressurized hydraulic fluid will act to separatethe hydraulic couplings 5 and 15 from each other. Therefore, the quick coupling units 4and 14 and the corresponding hydraulic couplings 5 and 15 need to be arranged in amanner that copes with the forces acting during operation and during exposure toambient operating conditions.

Fig. 8 shows the cylinder lock unit 20 of the tool coupler 10, with an integrated quickcoupling unit 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. The quick coupling unit 14comprises at least two through holes 22 for receiving hydraulic couplings 15. ln Fig. 8, the quick coupling unit 14 comprises five through holes 22 and two hydraulic couplings15 arranged in a respective through hole 22. However, any number of through holes 22and/or hydraulic couplings15 may be used without deviating from the scope of theinvention. ln embodiments, the hydraulic coupling 15 may be a female hydraulic couplingarranged to be coupled to a mating male hydraulic coupling 5 of the quick coupling unit 4of the tool bracket 1.

The quick coupling unit 14 has a first side 141 and an opposite second side 142, of whichonly the first side 141 is visible in Fig. 8. When the tool coupler 10 is connected to the toolbracket 1, as shown in Fig. 5, the first side 141 faces the quick coupling unit 4 of the toolbracket 1, while the second side 142 faces the hydraulic conduits 23. Each through hole22 in the quick coupling unit 14 extends from the first side 141 to the second side 142and should be parallel with each other, as shown in Fig. 8. ln Fig. 8, the quick coupling unit 14 is shown to be integrated with the cylinder lock unit20 of the tool coupler 10. However, the quick coupling unit 14 may in embodimentsinstead be separate from the cylinder lock unit 20, i.e. be a stand-alone part of the toolcoupler 10. The quick coupling unit 14 may in such embodiments be movable togetherwith the cylinder lock unit 20 or separate from the cylinder lock unit 20.

Fig. 9 shows further details of the hydraulic coupling 15 arranged in the quick couplingunit 14. The hydraulic coupling 15 has a first portion 151 arranged to be connected to amating hydraulic coupling 5 of the quick coupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1, e.g. with aquick coupling connection. The hydraulic coupling 15 further has a second portion 152arranged to be connected to a hydraulic conduit connector 24. The hydraulic conduitconnector 24 may e.g. be in the form of a hollow nut with threads to be connected to thehydraulic coupling 15 with a screw connection. Preferably, the hydraulic conduitconnector 24 is connected to, but freely rotatable with respect to the hydraulic conduit 23,as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. When the hydraulic coupling 15 is arranged in the throughhole 22 in the quick coupling unit 14, the first portion 151 of the hydraulic coupling 15protrudes from the first side 141 of the quick coupling unit 14, while the second portion152 of the hydraulic coupling 15 is arranged at the second side 142 of the quick couplingunit 14. ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the second portion 152 protrudes from thesecond side 142 of the quick coupling unit 14. However, the second portion 152 may inembodiments instead be arranged such that it does not protrude from the second side142. The hydraulic coupling 15 further has a third portion 153 extending through thethrough hole 22 in the quick coupling unit 14 and connecting the first portion 152 and thethird portions 153 to each other.

The hydraulic coupling 15 may have a substantially cylindrical shape where each of thefirst portion 151, the second portion 152, and the third portion 153 are substantiallycylindrical. That the respective portions are substantially cylindrical should in thisdisclosure be understood to mean that the overall shape of the respective portion iscylindrical but the respective portion may have an irregular outer surface, e.g. withcircular or longitudinal recesses. ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the first portion 151,the second portion 152, and the third portion 153 are substantially cylindrical with circularcross-sections. Furthermore, the second portion 152 is an extension of the third portion153, i.e. the second portion 152 and the third portion 153 form one part with a commondiameter. ln this way, the hydraulic coupling 15 can be inserted from the first side 141 ofthe quick coupling unit 14 into the circular through hole 22 and the hydraulic coupling 15is further rotatably within the through hole 22. However, one or more of the first portion151, the second portion 152, and the third portion 153 of the hydraulic coupling 15 may inembodiments instead have a non-circular cross-section, e.g. a rectangular or a polygonalcross-section. Specifically, the first portion 151 may have a non-circular cross-section,while the second portion 152 and the third portion 153 have a circular cross-section.Hence, in embodiments the first portion 151 may be cylindrical with e.g. a hexagonalcross-section, while the second portion 152 and the third portion 153 may be cylindrical with a circular cross-section.

The first portion 151 of the hydraulic coupling 15 has a shoulder 154 arranged to abut thefirst side 141 of the quick coupling unit 14. The shoulder154 of the first portion 151prevents the hydraulic coupling 15 from moving in the axial direction X of the hydrauliccoupling 15 from the first side 141 to the second side 142 of the quick coupling unit 14,as indicated with an arrow in Fig. 9. Hence, the shoulder 154 of the first portion 151prevents the first portion 151 of the hydraulic coupling 15 from being pushed into thethrough hole 22 of the quick coupling unit 14. When the hydraulic coupling 15 isconnected to the hydraulic coupling 5 of the quick coupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1,separation forces arising from the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic system will try toseparate the hydraulic coupling 15 from the hydraulic coupling 5, i.e. try to push thehydraulic coupling 15 in the axial direction X away from the hydraulic coupling 5.However, the shoulder 154 of the first portion 151 restricts the movement of the hydrauliccoupling 15 in the axial direction X away from the hydraulic coupling 5 and thereforecounteracts these separation forces. Hence, a secure connection between the hydrauliccoupling 15 and the hydraulic coupling 5 can be achieved with the hydraulic coupling 15 according to the invention. 11 To prevent the hydraulic coupling 15 from moving in its axial direction from the secondside 142 to the first side 141 of the quick coupling unit 14, the second portion 152 maycomprise a locking part, e.g. a recess, arranged to receive a locking device. The lockingpart of the second portion 152 may be arranged such that when the locking device isattached to the locking part, the locking device abuts or is close to the second side 142 ofthe quick coupling unit 14. The locking device may e.g. be a circlip, a locking ring, acotter, or a gasket. When the locking device is used, the hydraulic coupling 15 is axiallyfixed in the quick coupling unit 14. The locking device can be light and simple, as nomajor forces will act on the hydraulic coupling 15 in its axial direction from the secondside 142 to the first side 141 of the quick coupling unit 14.

In embodiments, the shoulder 154 of the first portion 151 comprises a shoulder surface155 arranged to abut an abutment surface 221 on the first side 141 of the quick couplingunit 14 surrounding the opening of the through hole 22 in the quick coupling unit 14. Theshoulder surface 155 interacts with the abutment surface 221 to prevent movement of thehydraulic coupling 15 in its axial direction from the first side 141 to the second side 142 ofthe quick coupling unit 14, as described above. ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, theshoulder surface 155 is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the hydrauliccoupling 15 and is formed where the first portion 151 intersects/meets the third portion153. The abutment surface 221 in the shown embodiment is substantially perpendicularto the axial direction of the through hole 22 and is comprised on a ledge surrounding theopening of the through hole 22 in the quick coupling unit 14, as visible for the emptythrough hole 22 in Fig. 9. ln other word, the abutment surface 221 may be formed as arecess around the periphery of the through hole 22. ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 9,the ledge/recess has a circular shape to fit the shape of the first portion 151 of thehydraulic coupling 15 such that the first portion 151 of the hydraulic coupling 15 can bepositioned within the ledge. ln embodiments, where the first portion 151 of the hydrauliccoupling 15 has a non-circular cross-section, e.g. a polygonal cross-section, theledge/recess is arranged to have a corresponding and/or mating shape to receive the firstportion 151 of the hydraulic coupling 15. ln such embodiments, the hydraulic coupling 15is securely arranged in the quick coupling unit 14 and prevented from rotating when thefirst portion 151 of the hydraulic coupling 15 is positioned within the ledge, i.e. when theshoulder surface 155 abuts the abutment surface 221.

However, in other embodiments (not shown) no ledge is arranged around the opening ofthe through hole 22 in the quick coupling unit 14. ln such embodiments, the abutmentsurface 221 surrounding the opening of the through hole 22 is level with the remaining 12 surface of the first side 141 of the quick coupling unit 14. Such an embodiment isadvantageous from a production point of view, as the machining step of producing theledges may be omitted.

Although the shoulder surface 155 in Fig. 9 is shown to be perpendicuiar to the axialdirection of the hydraulic coupling 15, the shoulder surface 155 of the shoulder 154 mayin embodiments instead be arranged at an angle to the axial direction of the hydrauliccoupling 15. Thereby, forming a shoulder 154 with e.g. a partly conica| shape. ln a similarway, the abutment surface 221 surrounding the opening of the through hole 22 may haveother shapes than shown in the drawings. ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the first portion 151 has a first diameter D1, while thesecond portion 152 and the third portion 153 have a second diameter D2, where the firstdiameter D1 and the second diameter D2 are the diameters of the outer circumference ofthe respective portion. The first diameter D1 is larger than the second diameter D2. Theshoulder 154 of the first portion 151 may be formed by the transition from the firstdiameter D1 to the second diameter D2 in the intersection between the first portion 151and third portion 153. ln other worlds, the shoulder 154 of the first portion 151 may beformed by the transition from the larger diameter of the first portion 151 to the smallerdiameter of the third portion 153. The previously described shoulder surface 155 of theshoulder 154 may hence constitute a circular ring with an outer diameter correspondingto the first diameter D1 and an inner diameter corresponding to the second diameter D2.As shown in Fig. 9, the outer diameter of the first portion 151, the second portion 152,and the third portion 153 may differ along the axial direction due to e.g. tracks, recessesand/or protrusions in the respective portions.

The second diameter D2 of the third portion 153 and the second portion 152 may beslightly smaller than the diameter of the through hole 22 in the quick coupling unit 14 toprovide play between the hydraulic coupling 15 and the through hole 22 along the wholeextension of the third portion 153 of the hydraulic coupling 15. This has the advantagethat the hydraulic coupling 15 is flexibly mounted to the quick coupling unit 14, allowingthe hydraulic coupling 15 to adapt to the position of the hydraulic coupling 5 of the quickcoupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1, when the hydraulic coupling 15 is being connected tothe hydraulic coupling 5. As the hydraulic coupling 15 is mounted with a certain playwithin the through hole 22, the hydraulic coupling 15 can rotate, tilt, and slide within thethrough hole 22. The hydraulic coupling 15 can thereby easily be connected to thehydraulic conduit connector 24 after being inserted in the through hole 22 in the quickcoupling unit 14, as will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. 13 Fig. 10 shows the hydraulic coupling 15 mounted in the quick coupling unit 14 andconnected to the hydraulic conduit connector 24. To mount the hydraulic coupling 15, thehydraulic coupling 15 is inserted into the through hole 22 from the first side 141 of thequick coupling unit 14. The hydraulic conduit connector 24 is positioned on the secondside 142 of the quick coupling unit 14 and connected to the hydraulic conduit 23, asshown in Fig. 10. The hydraulic conduit connector 24 and the hydraulic conduit 23 maybe fixedly or rotatabie connected to each other. When the hydraulic coupling 15 has beeninserted into the through hole 22, the second portion 152 of the hydraulic coupling 15 isconnected to the hydraulic conduit connector 24 by rotating the hydraulic coupling 15 withrespect to the hydraulic conduit connector 24, or vice versa. ln the embodiment shown inFig. 10, the second portion 152 is arranged to be connected to the hydraulic conduitconnector 24 with a screw connection. The second portion 152 may comprise a threadedhole arranged to receive a threaded part of the hydraulic conduit connector 24. Hence,when the hydraulic coupling 15 is rotated with respect to the hydraulic conduit connector24 and the through hole 22, the hydraulic coupling 15 is screwed onto the threads of thehydraulic conduit connector 24. lf instead the hydraulic conduit connector 24 is rotatedwith respect to the hydraulic coupling 15, the hydraulic conduit connector 24 is screwedinto the threads of the hydraulic coupling 15. ln other embodiments, the second portion152 may instead be provided with threads on the outside arranged to be screwed into athreaded hole of the hydraulic conduit connector 24. One advantage of providing thescrew connection by rotating the hydraulic coupling 15 is that the hydraulic coupling 15can be connected to the hydraulic conduit connector 24 without twisting the hydraulicconduit 23 when the hydraulic conduit connector 24 is fixedly connected to the hydraulicconduit 23.

When connecting the second portion 152 of the hydraulic coupling 15 to the hydraulicconduit connector 24, the shoulder 154 of the first portion 151 may be abutting the firstside 141 of the quick coupling unit 14 or may be arranged at a distance to the first side141 of the quick coupling unit 14. For example, when the first side 141 of the quickcoupling unit 14 comprises a ledge and the shape of the ledge and the first portion 151are non-circular, the first portion 151 is prevented from rotating within the ledge. ln suchcases, the shoulder 154 of the first portion 151 can be positioned in the ledge and theconnection between the hydraulic coupling 15 and the hydraulic conduit connector 24 canbe provided by rotating the hydraulic conduit connector 24. Alternatively, the shoulder154 of the first portion 151 can be positioned at a distance from the first side 141 to allowthe hydraulic coupling 15 to rotate. Thereby, the connection between the hydraulic 14 coupling 15 and the hydraulic conduit connector 24 can be provided by rotating thehydraulic coupling 15.

Once the hydraulic coupling 15 has been connected to the hydraulic conduit connector24, the shoulder 154 of the first portion 151 is arranged to abut the first side 141 of thequick coupling unit 14. Furthermore, a locking device may be attached to a locking part ofthe second portion 152 of the hydraulic coupling 15 such that the locking device abuts oris close to the second side 142 of the quick coupling unit 14. Thereby, the hydrauliccoupling 15 is securely mounted in the quick coupling unit 14. ln the shown embodiment the bracket 1 includes a bracket plate 6. Further, the quickcoupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1 is arranged on the bracket plate 6 of said bracket 1.This is advantageous as it provides a robust structure with a well-defined position of saidquick coupling unit 4. The quick coupling unit 4 is attached to the bracket plate 6 via a legor two or more legs 7, which are formed as an integrated part of the bracket plate 6. lnthe shown embodiment two legs 7 are provided.

A main reason for the increased robustness of the arrangement is that the positioning ofthe quick coupling unit 4 may be guaranteed with an improved robustness andmechanical strength. Namely, as mentioned above, in existing quick couplingarrangements the quick coupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1 has been arranged on one of the bracket pins in order to guarantee its position with respect to the bracket pins 2 and 3.

The quick coupling unit 4 is often welded to the second bracket pin 3. Such aconstruction is difficult to achieve with desired accuracy, both in terms of precision and interms of mechanical strength. ln one embodiment the attachment device, e.g. the leg or legs 7 and the quick couplingunit 4, are machined in the same machining apparatus as the rest of the tool bracket 1,and specifically the attachments for the bracket pins 2 and 3. The bracket pins arepreferably separately produced and attached to a frame of the bracket by weldingsubsequent to the machining of the bracket 1.

The leg or legs 7 may be arranged as an integrated part of the bracket plate 6.Preferably, the leg or legs 7 are machined or casted as an integrated part of the bracketplate 6. Further, the bracket plate 6 may be machined or casted as an integrated part ofthe tool bracket 1 including the mantle portions 8. Even if separate machiningapparatuses or processes are utilised for the production of the tool bracket, the positionof the bracket pins may be used as a reference when the bracket plate 6 and specifically the attachment device or leg or legs 7 defining the position of the quick coupling unit 4 is machined.

The quick coupling unit 4 may be formed as a plate with recesses or passages 26 forholding the individual hydraulic couplings 5. See below with reference to Fig. 11. Thequick coupling unit 4 may include abutment surfaces to interact with shoulders on thehydraulic couplings 5 to make sure they are held in place in a first axial direction. At anopposite side of the coupling unit 4 a circlip 31 may be arranged to secure each hydrauliccoupling 5. The circlip 31 is preferably arranged at the side of the coupling unit 4extending away from the quick coupling unit 14 of the tool coupler 10, wherein theshoulder-abutment interaction of the coupling unit 4 and hydraulic couplings 5 areprovided on the side facing the quick coupling unit 14 of the tool coupler 10. This isadvantageous as the forces are more important in this direction, both during the actualinterconnection, but more importantly due to the force provided by the pressurisedhydraulic fluid in the couplings. ln an alternative embodiment of the tool bracket 1 the quick coupling unit 4 is detachablefrom the bracket plate 6. ln other words, the tool bracket comprises an attachment devicefor attaching said quick coupling unit 4 to the bracket plate 6. Specifically, such anattachment device may be comprised of screw holes in the bracket plate 6 mating withcorresponding recesses of the quick coupling unit 4 for attaching and correctly positioningsaid quick coupling unit 4 on the bracket plate 6 of the tool bracket 1. An advantage ofthis arrangement is that the attachment device, e.g. the screw holes, may be machined tothe bracket plate 6 of the tool bracket with great precision. The attachment device, e.g.the screw holes, is advantageously machined in the same machining apparatus as therest of the tool bracket 1, and specifically the bracket pins 2 and 3, or the attachments forsaid bracket pins, if they are separately produced and attached to a frame of the bracket.

This embodiment allows for a user to easily upgrade his tool bracket by arranging a quickcoupling unit 4 in the therefore provided attachment device on the bracket plate 6. ln Fig. 11, a tool bracket 1 is shown in a perspective view. From this view it is apparentthat the quick coupling unit 4 of the tool bracket 1 comprises a front side 25 arranged toface the quick coupling unit 14 of the coupler 10 in operation, see e.g. Fig. 2. Further, thequick coupling unit 4 comprises passages 26 for receiving and attaching the at least twohydraulic couplings 5. ln the shown embodiment the quick coupling unit 4 comprises fivepassages 26, four passages for receiving and attaching hydraulic couplings 5, and onepassage for receiving and attaching an additional connector. 16 The front side 25 is provided with abutment surfaces 261 adapted to interact withshoulders 28 on the hydraulic couplings 5 to provide stops for movement of the hydrauliccouplings 5 in an axial direction thereof, away from the quick coupling unit 14 of the toolcoupler 10. ln the shown embodiment, the abutment surfaces 261 are formed as circularledge around the periphery of each passage 26.

The bracket plate 6 is advantageously provided with strengthening ribs 27 that extendalong the bracket plate 6 between the mantle portions 8 in parallel with the bracket pins 2and 3. The legs 7 of the bracket 1 are in the shown embodiment extending from one suchstrengthening rib 27. ln an alternative, not shown, embodiment the quick coupling unit 4is attached to the bracket plate 6 via one leg only, either in connection with astrengthening rib 27 or directly on the bracket plate 6. ln the shown embodiment two legs 7 are provided to hold the quick coupling unit 4, whichlegs 7 are separated from each other by a void 29 between the quick coupling unit 4 andthe bracket plate 6. The void provides a passage for hydraulic conduits, which in aspecific embodiment are arranged to pass through said void to provide a protectedconduit passage. As indicated above, the quick coupling unit 4 is attached to the bracketplate 6 via one, two or more legs 7, or the bracket plate 6 is provided with and attachmentdevice such as a clamp or screw holes, for attaching the quick coupling unit 4.

Above, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. Theinvention is however not limited to these embodiments. lt is obvious to a person skilled in the art that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

17 CLA|I\/IS

1. A tool coupler (10) for connecting a hydraulic tool (102) to a crane arm (101), the toolcoupler (10) comprises a quick coupling unit (14) and a hydraulic coupling (15) arrangedin a through hole (22) in the quick coupling unit (14), the hydraulic coupling (15) having afirst portion (151) protruding from a first side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14), asecond portion (152) arranged at a second side (142) of the quick coupling unit (14)opposite the first side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14), and a third portion (153)extending through the through hole (22) in the quick coupling unit (14), the first portion(151) being arranged to be connected to a hydraulic coupling (5) of a quick coupling unit(4) of a tool bracket (1) and the second portion (152) being arranged to be connected to ahydraulic conduit connector (24), characterised in that the first portion (151) of thehydraulic coupling (15) has a shoulder (154) arranged to abut the first side (141) of thequick coupling unit (14).

2. A tool coupler (10) according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder (154) of the first portion(151) of the hydraulic coupling (15) comprises a shoulder surface (155) arranged to abutan abutment surface (221) on the first side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14)surrounding the opening of the through hole (22) in the quick coupling unit (14).

3. A tool coupler (10) according to claim 2, wherein the abutment surface 221 iscomprised on a ledge surrounding the opening of the through hole (22) in the quickcoupling unit (14).

4. A tool coupler (10) according to any of claim 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the firstportion (151), the second portion (152), and the third portion (153) of the hydrauliccoupling (15) is cylindrical with a circular cross-section.

5. A tool coupler (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first portion (151) of the hydrauliccoupling (15) has a first diameter D1 and the third portion (153) of the hydraulic coupling(15) has a second diameter D2 which is smaller than the first diameter D1, and whereinthe shoulder (154) of the first portion (151) of the hydraulic coupling (15) is formed by thetransition from first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2.

6. A tool coupler (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the third portion (153) of thehydraulic coupling (15) has a second diameter D2 which is smaller than a diameter of thethrough hole (22) in the quick coupling unit (14) to provide a play between the hydrauliccoupling (15) and the through hole (22) along the whole extension of the third portion(153) of the hydraulic coupling (15). _ 18

7. A tool coupler (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondportion (152) of the hydraulic coupling (15) is arranged to be connected to the hydraulic conduit connector (24) with a screw connection.

8. A tool coupler (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondportion (152) of the hydraulic coupling (15) comprises a Iocking part arranged to receive aIocking device.

9. A tool coupler (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrauliccoupling (15) is a female hydraulic coupling arranged to be coupled to a mating malehydraulic coupling (5) of the quick coupling unit (4) of a tool bracket (1 ).

10. A tiltrotator (30) comprising a tool coupler (10) according to any of claims 1-9.

11. A crane arm (101) comprising a tool coupler (10) according to any of claims 1-9.

12. A method for mounting a hydraulic coupling (15) in a through hole (22) in a quickcoupling unit (14) of a tool coupler (10), the hydraulic coupling (15) having a first portion(151) arranged to protrude from a first side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14), a secondportion (152) arranged at a second side (142) of the quick coupling unit (14) opposite thefirst side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14), and a third portion (153) arranged to extendthrough the through hole (22) in the quick coupling unit (14), the first portion (151) beingarranged to be connected to a hydraulic coupling (5) of a quick coupling unit (4) of a toolbracket (1) and having a shoulder (154) arranged to abut the first side (141) of the quickcoupling unit (14), the second portion (152) being arranged to be connected to ahydraulic conduit connector (24), the method comprisesinserting the hydraulic coupling (15) into the through hole (22) in the quickcoupling unit (14) from the first side (141) of the quick coupling unit (14);connecting the second portion (152) of the hydraulic coupling (15) to the hydraulic conduit connector (24) by rotating the hydraulic coupling (15) with respect to thehydraulic conduit connector (24), or vice versa.

13. A method according to claim 12, the method further comprises attaching a Iocking device to a looking part of the second portion (152) of thehydraulic coupling (15) such that the Iocking device abuts the second side (142) of thequick coupling unit (14).