Patent Description:
Working machines, also known as off-highway vehicles, typically have a working arm pivotally mounted to the body of the machine, and a working implement, such as a bucket or a grabber, attached to the end of the arm via a coupling device. Attachment of the working implement enables the working machine to perform working operations. In order to increase the manoeuvrability of the working implement, it is desirable to be able to move the implement in any direction. To provide this improved manoeuvrability, the coupling device may be capable of tilting the working implement relative to the working arm and also of rotating the working implement relative to the working arm. Such coupling devices are known as tiltrotators. In order to provide tilting of the working implement, the tiltrotator typically includes two actuators (e.g. hydraulic actuators). In known tiltrotators, however, the packing of the different components may be such that operation of the tiltrotator in narrow spaces is difficult.

<CIT> and <CIT> describe tilt rotators with side mounted actuators.

The present teachings seek to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

The present invention provides a coupling device and working machine according to the appended claims. A first aspect of the teachings provides for a coupling device for connecting a working implement to a working arm of a working machine, the coupling device comprising: a first coupler body comprising an arm mounting arrangement configured to be connectable to a working arm of a working machine; a second coupler body pivotally mounted to the first coupler body so as to be capable of tilting about a first axis; a third coupler body rotatably mounted to the second coupler body so as to be rotatable about a second axis, where the second axis is arranged at an angle to the first axis, the third coupler body comprising an implement mounting arrangement configured to be connectable to a working implement; and first and second spaced apart actuators configured to tilt the second coupler body relative to the first coupler body about the first axis, wherein the coupling device comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first and second actuators are arranged on the first end.

Arranging the first and second actuators at the same end of the coupling device) enables the footprint of the coupling device to be narrower, which has been found to facilitate operation of a working implement attached to the coupling device.

The coupling device may be mounted to a working arm of a working machine, the first end is arranged distal to the working arm and the second end is arranged proximate to the working arm.

Arranging the actuators on an opposing side of the coupling device to the arm further enables the footprint of the coupling device to be narrower.

The first and second actuators may be arranged side-by-side.

The first and second actuators may be arranged adjacent to each other.

This arrangement further enables the footprint of the coupling device to be narrower.

The second coupling body may define a width in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending between the first and second ends. The first and second actuators may be arranged to be narrower than the width of the second coupling body.

The first and second actuators may define a width that is less than the width of the second coupling body.

In this arrangement, the widest part of the coupling device is the second coupling body, which has been found to further improve the packing of the coupling device, enabling a narrower coupling device to be provided.

The arm mounting arrangement may comprise first and second arm mounts configured to receive first and second pivot pins, respectively, to pivotally mount the coupling device to a working arm of a working machine.

This enables the coupling device to pivot relative to the working arm about the pivot axis X.

The first arm mount may comprise a first pair of spaced apart apertures configured to receive a first pivot pin therethrough to pivotally mount the coupling device to a working arm of a working machine. The first arm mount may be provided on the second end of the coupling device.

The first arm mount is provided on an opposing side of the coupling device to the first and second actuators.

This arrangement has been found to further improve the packing of the coupling device, enabling a narrower coupling device to be provided.

The second arm mount may comprise a second pair of spaced apart apertures configured to receive a second pivot pin therethrough for connecting the coupling device to an actuator of a working machine. The spaced apart apertures may define an axis extending therebetween that intersects the second axis.

This arrangement has been found to improve the manoeuvrability/operability of an implement mounted to the coupling device.

The first and second actuators may be pivotally connected to the second coupler body at first and second connection points, respectively, and the first and second connection points may be equally spaced apart from the first axis.

The first and second connection points and the first axis may be arranged so as to define a substantially equilateral triangle.

The first coupler body may comprise first and second actuator mounts configured to fixedly mount the first and second actuators thereto, respectively.

The first and second actuator mounts may comprise first and second recesses, respectively, each recess defining an opening through which the first and second actuators at least partially extend.

The first and second actuator mounts may comprise at least one aperture through the first coupler body so as to define at least one opening through which the first and second actuators at least partially extend.

The first and second actuators may be pivotally connected to the second coupler body at first and second connection points, respectively. The second coupler body may comprise a projection defining third and fourth recesses on opposing sides thereof defining the first and second connection points.

The first coupler body and second coupler body may each comprise complementary abutting surfaces configured and arranged to limit pivoting of the second coupler body relative to the first coupler body in first and second pivoting directions.

The coupling device may comprise a hydraulic motor mounted to the second coupler body. The hydraulic motor may be positioned on the second end of the coupling device.

The first coupler body and second coupler body may be pivotally connected by two spaced apart tilt pins extending along the first axis.

A hydraulic manifold may be interposed between the first and second tilt pins.

The third coupler body may be rotatably mounted to the second coupler body via a slewing arrangement.

The slewing arrangement may comprise a worm gear.

The third coupler body may be a quick coupler, e.g. a hydraulic quick coupler.

The implement mounting arrangement may comprise first and second recesses configured to receive first and second implement pins therein.

The first and second actuators may be arranged so as to be substantially parallel.

The coupling device may be a tiltrotator.

A second aspect of the teachings provides for a working machine comprising: a body; a ground engaging propulsion structure supporting the body; and a working arm mounted to the body, wherein a coupling device according to any preceding claim is mounted to a distal end of the working arm.

The body may comprise an undercarriage supported by the ground engaging propulsion structure and a superstructure, e.g. a rotatable superstructure, connected to the undercarriage.

The working arm may be mounted to the superstructure.

The working machine may comprise an operator cab, wherein an operator seat is positioned within said operator cab.

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring firstly to <FIG>, a coupling device is illustrated and is indicated generally at <NUM>. The coupling device <NUM> is connectable to a working arm of a working machine (not shown) so as to connect a working implement (not shown) to the working machine. The coupling device <NUM> is configured to tilt and rotate a working implement attached thereto. Put another way, the coupling device <NUM> is a tiltrotator <NUM>.

The coupling device <NUM> includes a first coupler body <NUM>. The first coupler body <NUM> is integrally formed, e.g. integrally cast, as a unitary component. It will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the first coupler body <NUM> may be fabricated, forged, or may be formed from any suitable manufacturing method. The first coupler body <NUM> is pivotally connectable to a working arm so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis X. The pivot axis X is a lateral axis or horizontal axis. Put another way, the pivot axis X is a substantially transverse axis of the working machine to which the coupling device <NUM> is mounted. When the coupling device <NUM> is connected to a working machine, the pivot axis X is substantially parallel to a rotational axis between the working arm and the body of the working machine.

The coupling device <NUM> includes a second coupler body <NUM>. The second coupler body <NUM> is integrally formed, e.g. integrally cast, as a unitary component. It will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the second coupler body <NUM> may be fabricated, forged, or may be formed from any suitable manufacturing method. The second coupler body <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the first coupler body <NUM>. The second coupler body <NUM> is pivotable relative to first coupler body <NUM> about a first axis Y. Pivotally mounting the second coupler body <NUM> to the first coupler body <NUM> enables the second coupler body <NUM> to tilt about the first axis Y. Put another way, the first axis Y is a tilt axis.

The first axis Y is arranged at an angle (i.e. a non-zero angle) relative to the pivot axis X. In the illustrated arrangement, the first axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis X. The first axis Y is a substantially fore-aft axis. The first coupler body <NUM> and the second coupler body <NUM> are pivotally connected by two spaced apart tilt pins <NUM> extending along the first axis Y.

The coupling device <NUM> includes a third coupler body <NUM>. The third coupler body <NUM> is rotationally mounted to the second coupler body <NUM>. The third coupler body <NUM> is rotatable relative to second coupling body <NUM> about a second axis Z. The second axis Z is arranged at an angle (i.e. a non-zero angle) relative to the first axis Y and to the pivot axis X. In the arrangement shown, the second axis Z is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first axis Y and substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis X. The second axis Z is a substantially upright axis. Put another way, the second axis Z is a vertical axis.

The third coupler body <NUM> is rotatably mounted to the second coupler body <NUM> via a slewing arrangement. In the embodiment, the slewing arrangement comprises a worm gear (not shown). The coupling device <NUM> includes a device drive arrangement <NUM> configured to rotate the third coupler body <NUM> relative to the second coupler body <NUM>. Put another way, the device drive arrangement <NUM> drives the slewing arrangement. The device drive arrangement <NUM> is interposed between the first and second tilt pins <NUM>. The device drive arrangement <NUM> is provided in the form of a hydraulic motor <NUM> configured to drive the slewing arrangement. The hydraulic motor <NUM> is mounted to the second coupler body <NUM>. The first and second actuators <NUM> are positioned on an opposing side of the second coupler body <NUM> to the hydraulic motor <NUM>. Put another way, the first and second actuators <NUM> are positioned at the first end of the coupling device <NUM> and the drive arrangement <NUM> is positioned at the second end of the coupling device <NUM>.

The coupling device <NUM> includes a hydraulic manifold <NUM>. The hydraulic manifold <NUM> directs the flow of hydraulic fluid within the coupling device <NUM>. The hydraulic manifold <NUM> selectively provides hydraulic fluid to the drive arrangement <NUM> to drive the slewing arrangement. Put another way, the hydraulic manifold <NUM> selectively provides hydraulic fluid to the drive arrangement <NUM> to rotate the third coupler body <NUM> relative to the second coupler body <NUM>.

The third coupler body <NUM> includes an implement mounting arrangement <NUM> configured to be connectable to a working implement (not shown). In the embodiment, the third coupler body <NUM> is a quick coupler. The mounting arrangement <NUM> includes first and second recesses configured to receive first and second implement pins of a working implement (not shown) therein.

The coupling device <NUM> includes first and second spaced apart actuators <NUM> configured to tilt the second coupler body <NUM> relative to the first coupler body <NUM> about the first axis Y. The coupling device <NUM> includes a first end and a second end, and the first and second actuators <NUM> are arranged on the first end. When the coupling device <NUM> is mounted to a working arm of a working machine, the first end is arranged distal to the working arm and the second end is arranged proximate to the working arm. Put another way, when the coupling device <NUM> is mounted to a working arm of a working machine, the first end is a front end of the coupling device <NUM>.

The first and second actuators <NUM> are arranged side-by-side on the coupling device <NUM>. Put another way, the first and second actuators <NUM> are arranged adjacent to each other on the coupling device <NUM>. The second coupler body <NUM> defines a width in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending between the first and second ends. The first and second actuators <NUM> are arranged to be narrower than the width of the second coupling body <NUM>.

The first and second actuators <NUM> are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. Put another way, each of the first and second actuators <NUM> define an elongate axis, and the two elongate axes are substantially parallel. In alternative arrangements, the first and second actuators <NUM> may be arranged at an angle relative to each other.

The first and second actuators <NUM> are arranged so as to be equally spaced apart from a central axis of the coupling device <NUM>. In the embodiment, the first and second actuators <NUM> are arranged on a side of the coupling device <NUM> that is remote from the working arm, in use. The first and second actuators <NUM> are pivotally connected to the second coupler body <NUM> at first <NUM> and second <NUM> connection points, respectively. The first and second connection points <NUM>, <NUM> are equally spaced apart from the first axis Y. In the embodiment, the first and second connection points <NUM>, <NUM> and the first axis Y are arranged so as to define a substantially equilateral triangle.

The second coupler body <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> defining third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> recesses on opposing sides thereof. The projection <NUM> is positioned on a side of coupling device <NUM> remote from a working arm of a working machine, when the coupling device <NUM> is mounted to a working arm. The projection <NUM> extends in a direction away from a working arm of a working machine, when the coupling device <NUM> is mounted to a working arm. The recesses <NUM>, <NUM> define the first and second connection points. The recesses <NUM>, <NUM> each include a pair of opposing apertures configured to receive a pin <NUM> therein so as to pivotally mount the first and second actuators <NUM> to the second coupler body <NUM>. The pins <NUM> define the first and second connection points <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first and second actuators <NUM> are fixedly mounted to the first coupler body <NUM>. The first coupler body <NUM> includes first and second actuator mounts <NUM> to fixedly mount the first and second actuators <NUM> thereto. In the embodiment, the first and second actuator mounts <NUM> are provided in the form of at least one aperture <NUM> through the first coupler body <NUM> so as to define at least one opening through which the first and second actuators <NUM> at least partially extend. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupler body <NUM> defines first and second apertures receiving the first and second actuators, respectively. The first and second actuator mounts <NUM> are positioned on a side of coupling device <NUM> remote from a working arm of a working machine, when the coupling device <NUM> is mounted to a working arm.

The coupling device <NUM> is configured to limit the maximum angle that the first and second coupler bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are able to tilt relative to each other. The first coupler body <NUM> and second coupler body <NUM> each comprise complementary abutting surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> configured and arranged to limit tilting of the second coupler body <NUM> relative to the first coupler body <NUM> in first and second tilt directions.

The first coupler body <NUM> includes an arm mounting arrangement <NUM> for pivotally mounting the first coupler body <NUM> to a working arm of a working machine. The arm mounting arrangement <NUM> includes first and second arm mounts. The first and second arm mounts are provided in the form of two pairs of opposing pivot pin holes configured to receive first and second pivot pins <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, therethrough to mount the coupling device <NUM> to a working arm.

The first pivot pin <NUM> pivotally mounts the coupling device <NUM> to the working arm. The first pivot pin <NUM> extends along the pivot axis X. In the embodiment, the second pivot pin <NUM> mounts a linkage arm connected to an actuator (see <FIG>) configured to pivot the coupling device <NUM> about the pivot axis X. In some alternative arrangements, however, the coupling device <NUM> may not be pivotally mounted to the working arm, and the arm mounting arrangement <NUM> may fixedly mount the coupling device <NUM> to the working arm.

The first pivot pin <NUM> is received in the pair of spaced apart apertures of the first arm mount. The first pivot pin <NUM> (i.e. the first arm mount) is positioned on an opposing side of coupling device <NUM> to the first and second actuators <NUM>. The second pivot pin <NUM> is received in the pair of spaced apart apertures of the second arm mount. The spaced apart apertures of the second arm mount define an axis extending therebetween that intersects the second axis Z. Put another way, the second pivot pin <NUM> extends along an axis that intersects the second axis Z.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a coupling device <NUM> is illustrated. Corresponding components of embodiment with the embodiment of <FIG> are labelled with the prefix '<NUM>' and only differences are discussed.

The first and second actuators <NUM> are fixedly mounted to the first coupler body <NUM>. The first coupler body <NUM> includes first and second actuator mounts <NUM> to fixedly mount the first and second actuators <NUM> thereto. In the embodiment, the first and second actuator mounts <NUM> are provided in the form of first and second recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the first and second recesses <NUM>, <NUM> define an opening through which the first and second actuators <NUM> at least partially extend. The first and second actuator recesses <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on a side of coupling device <NUM> remote from a working arm of a working machine, when the coupling device <NUM> is mounted to a working arm.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated a working machine <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the working machine <NUM> may be considered to be an excavator. The working machine <NUM> could be any type of working machine such as an excavator having any operating weight, a loader, a telehandler etc. Such working machines may be denoted as off-highway vehicles.

The ground engaging propulsion structure includes a first, or front, axle A1 and a second, or rear, axle A2, each axle being coupled to a pair of wheels <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, the ground engaging propulsion structure may include a pair of endless tracks. One or both of the axles A1, A2 may be coupled to a drive arrangement (not shown) configured to drive movement of the ground engaging propulsion structure (i.e. the axles A1, A2). The drive arrangement causes movement of the working machine <NUM> over a ground surface. The drive arrangement includes a primer mover and a transmission. The prime mover may be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or may be a hybrid comprising both an internal combustion engine, an electric motor.

The working machine <NUM> has a body <NUM> supported on the ground engaging propulsion arrangement. The body <NUM> of the working machine <NUM> includes an undercarriage <NUM> supported on the ground engaging propulsion arrangement. A superstructure <NUM> is connected to the undercarriage <NUM>. The superstructure <NUM> is connected to the undercarriage <NUM> by a mounting arrangement <NUM>.

In the arrangement shown, the mounting arrangement <NUM> is a slewing mechanism in the form of a slewing ring. The mounting arrangement <NUM> permits unrestricted rotation of the superstructure <NUM> relative to the undercarriage <NUM> in this embodiment. In alternative arrangements it will be appreciated that the superstructure <NUM> may not be able to rotate relative to the undercarriage <NUM>.

A cab <NUM> from which an operator can operate the working machine <NUM> is mounted to the superstructure <NUM>. The cab <NUM> includes an operator seat (not shown). It will be appreciated that in some arrangements, the working machine <NUM> may not include a cab <NUM> and the operator seat may be directly mounted on the body <NUM> of the working machine <NUM>.

The working machine <NUM> includes a working arm <NUM>. The working arm <NUM> is connected to the body <NUM> and is provided for performing working operations. The working arm <NUM> is connected to the body <NUM>. In the arrangement shown, the working arm <NUM> is connected to the superstructure <NUM>. The working machine <NUM> includes a counterweight <NUM> having a mass for counterbalancing the working arm <NUM>. The counterweight <NUM> is provided on the superstructure <NUM>. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the counterweight may be omitted.

A coupling device <NUM>, <NUM> is mounted to the working arm <NUM>. The working arm <NUM> connects to the arm mounting arrangement <NUM>, <NUM> of the coupling device <NUM>, <NUM>. The first pivot pin <NUM>, <NUM> pivotally mounts the coupling device <NUM>, <NUM> to the working arm <NUM>. The second pivot pin <NUM>, <NUM> mounts a linkage arm <NUM> connected to an actuator <NUM> configured to pivot the coupling device <NUM>, <NUM> about the pivot axis X.

Claim 1:
A coupling device (<NUM>) for connecting a working implement to a working arm of a working machine (<NUM>), the coupling device comprising:
a first coupler body (<NUM>) comprising an arm mounting arrangement configured to be connectable to a working arm of a working machine;
a second coupler body (<NUM>) pivotally mounted to the first coupler body so as to be capable of tilting about a first axis;
a third coupler body (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the second coupler body so as to be rotatable about a second axis, where the second axis is arranged at an angle to the first axis, the third coupler body comprising an implement mounting arrangement (<NUM>) configured to be connectable to a working implement; and
first and second spaced apart actuators (<NUM>) configured to tilt the second coupler body relative to the first coupler body about the first axis,
wherein the coupling device comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first and second actuators are arranged on the first end, characterised in that
the first and second actuators are arranged side-by-side and adjacent to each other on the first end.