Quick-change unit and quick-change system

Abstract

A quick coupler for construction machines. An embodiment of the quick coupler comprises a housing with two opposing longitudinal walls, two opposing transverse walls, a top side, a bottom side, and a block cylinder inside the housing. The quick coupler may also comprise a locking device with a locking bolt and a drive device. The locking bolt protrudes from one of the two transverse walls in a locked position. The quick coupler may also comprise a first coupling element having a coupling end section and a second coupling element having a coupling end section hydraulically connected to one another, wherein the second coupling element is arranged on one of the two longitudinal walls of the housing.

Claims

1. A quick coupler as part of a quick coupler system for construction machines, comprising; a housing (12; 112) with two opposing longitudinal walls (18), two opposing transverse walls (20), a top side and a bottom side; a block cylinder (28, 30) inside the housing (12; 112); a locking device (24) with at least one locking bolt (54; 154) and a drive device; wherein the at least one locking bolt (54; 154) protrudes from one of the two transverse walls (20) in a locked position; and at least one coupling element of the first type (32) having a coupling end section (31) and at least one coupling element of the second type (36; 136) having a coupling end section (35), wherein the at least one coupling element of the first type (32) and the at least one coupling element of the second type (36; 136) are hydraulically connected to one another, and wherein the at least one coupling element of the second type (36; 136) is arranged on one of the two longitudinal walls (18) of the housing (12; 112).

2. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one coupling element of the first type (32) is arranged on a longitudinal wall of the housing (12; 112).

3. The quick coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second type (36; 136) is adjustable between an operating position and a basic position, wherein the coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second type (36; 136) protrudes from the longitudinal wall (20) of the housing (12; 112) in the operating position.

4. The quick coupler according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one coupling element of the second type (36; 136) is connected to a coupling drive device (38) so that at least the second coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second type (36; 136) is adjustable between the basic position and the operating position and vice versa.

5. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one coupling element of a third type (32′) is provided, which is preferably positioned in one of the two longitudinal walls (18) of the housing (12; 112).

6. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 4, characterized in that the quick coupler (10; 110) is equipped with at least two coupling elements of the second type (36; 136), wherein at least the coupling end sections (35) of the coupling elements of the second type (36; 136) are synchronously adjustable between the basic position and the operating position and vice versa.

7. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least two coupling elements of the second type (36; 136) are provided, which are positioned on opposite longitudinal walls (18) of the housing (12; 112) and are adjustable by means of a common coupling drive device (38), the coupling drive device (38) having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder which is preferably aligned parallel to the transverse wall (20) of the housing (12; 112).

8. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device (24) comprises at least two locking bolts (54; 154) which point in opposite directions and which are adjustable between a closed position and an open position and vice versa by means of a common drive device.

9. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 8, characterized in that the drive device comprises a double-acting hydraulic cylinder which is preferably aligned parallel to the longitudinal wall (20) of the housing (12; 112).

10. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive device comprises a locking bridge (56; 156).

11. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the block cylinder (26) comprises a first block cylinder (28) and a second block cylinder (30), wherein the second block cylinder (30) is positioned below the first block cylinder (28), wherein the at least one coupling element of the second type (36; 136) is provided in the first block cylinder (28), and wherein at least a part of the locking device (24) is positioned in the plane of the second block cylinder (30).

12. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking device (24) comprises at least one drive device with a locking piston, with the locking piston being positioned inside the second block cylinder (30).

13. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least the coupling end section (35) of the coupling element of the second type (36; 136) is adjustable between an operating position and a basic position, and in that a coupling drive device (38) is provided, with the coupling drive device (38) being arranged in the first block cylinder (28).

14. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 11, characterized in that an opening (37) for the coupling element of the second type (36; 136) is provided in a longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder (28) and that an opening (68) is provided in the second block cylinder (30) at the transverse side of the block cylinder (26).

15. The quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first block cylinder (28) is T-shaped in cross-section with a base and a roof, with the at least one coupling element of the first type (32) being positioned in the plane of the roof and the at least one coupling element of the second type (36; 136) being positioned in the plane of the base.

16. A quick coupler system comprising a quick coupler (10; 110) according to claim 1 and an adapter (70; 170) connectable to a working tool, wherein the quick coupler (10; 110) is mechanically and hydraulically couplable to the adapter (70; 170).

17. The quick coupler system according to claim 16, characterized in that the adapter (70; 170) comprises two opposing longitudinal adapter sides (74; 174) and two transverse bolts (78), wherein the two transverse bolts (78) are each connected at their end portions to the longitudinal adapter sides (74; 174) of the adapter (70; 170).

18. The quick coupler system according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one counter-coupling element of the second type (76; 176) is positioned on at least one longitudinal wall (74; 174) of the adapter (70; 170), wherein said counter coupling element can be hydraulically connected to the at least one coupling element of the second type (36; 136).

19. The quick coupler system according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one counter-coupling element of the second type (76; 176) is designed as a connection block (180).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Examples of embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following drawings. However, the invention is by no means limited to these specific examples of embodiment, in which:

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the quick coupler system,

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a perspective transparency view of the quick coupler,

[0057] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the double block cylinder,

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3,

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 after a section according to A-A,

[0060] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the quick coupler without housing,

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the quick coupler without housing according to FIG. 6,

[0062] FIG. 8 shows a design drawing of FIG. 7,

[0063] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the hydraulic connections between the coupling elements of the first type or the coupling elements of the third type and the coupling elements of the second type,

[0064] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the quick coupler system in the coupled state,

[0065] FIG. 11 shows a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the quick coupler system in the coupled state,

[0066] FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a quick coupler in perspective view and

[0067] FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a block cylinder with locking and coupling elements.

[0068] Best way to carry out the invention and industrial applicability:

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the quick coupler system. The quick coupler system consists of a quick coupler 10 and an adapter 70, which can be coupled together.

[0070] The quick coupler 10 comprises a housing 12 with an upper housing wall 14 on the construction machine side or boom side, a lower housing wall 16 arranged opposite thereto and side walls, namely two housing longitudinal walls 18 arranged opposite to each other and two housing transverse walls 20 extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the quick coupler 10, as well as a two-storey block cylinder 26 with a first block cylinder 28 and a second block cylinder 30 inside the housing (see FIG. 3).

[0071] A plurality of coupling elements of the first type 32, coupling elements of the second type 36 and coupling elements of the third type 32′ are respectively mounted in corresponding openings 22 in the housing 12 on the mutually opposite longitudinal housing walls 18 of the quick coupler 10. The coupling elements of the second type 36 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal housing wall 18 of the housing 12, while the coupling elements of the first type 32 and the third type 32′ are angled and point with their free end in the direction of the upper housing wall 14, the coupling elements of the first type 32 and the third type 32 ‘ are essentially identical in construction, but differ in their function as will be explained further below.

[0072] No coupling elements of the first type 32 or coupling elements of the third type 32′ and especially no coupling elements of the second type 36 are arranged on the upper housing wall 14 on the side of the construction machine or on the side of the boom, on the lower housing wall 16 arranged opposite thereto or on the transverse housing walls 20 of the housing 12.

[0073] In addition, FIG. 1 shows a pair of locking bolts 54 arranged perpendicular to each housing transverse wall 20 and extending into the interior of the housing 12 via respective openings in the housing transverse walls 20 of the housing 12. The two pairs of locking bolts 54 are movable In opposite directions between a closed position and an open position and vice versa via said openings of the housing 12. For this purpose, a locking device 24 is provided inside the housing 12, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0074] The longitudinal axis of the quick coupler 10 is defined by the direction of extension of the locking bolts 54 of the locking device 24 and corresponds to the longitudinal axis of conventional quick couplers according to the state of the art.

[0075] The shape of the housing 12 is composed of a main section that is rectangular in cross-section and two projections 21, each of which is provided on a transverse wall 20 of the housing (with only one projection 21 shown in FIG. 1). The transition from the main section of the quick coupler 10 to the projections 21 is smooth.

[0076] The adapter 70 comprises an adapter base 72 and two longitudinal adapter sides 74 extending parallel in the longitudinal direction of the adapter 70.

[0077] Each longitudinal adapter side 74 of the adapter 70 has, in the upper region, two bores positioned opposite one another, in each of which an end section of a transverse bolt 78 is mounted, so that the two longitudinal adapter sides 74 are connected to one another via two transverse bolts 78.

[0078] Furthermore, two schematically indicated counter coupling elements of the second type 76 are located in the longitudinal adapter sides 74 of the adapter 70.

[0079] Each counter coupling element of the second type 76 of the adapter 70 is connectable to a hydraulic hose, not shown, which runs to a tool, not shown, to which the adapter 70 is connectable. The coupling element of the second type 36 is used for coupling with corresponding counter coupling elements of the second type 76 of the adapter 70 for controlling a hydraulically operated tool.

[0080] The coupling element of the first type 32 or the coupling element of the third type 32′ is used for coupling with counter coupling elements of the first type, not shown, via hydraulic hoses of a construction machine.

[0081] The main functional difference between a coupling element of the first type 32 and a coupling element of the third type 32′ is that each coupling element of the first type 32 is hydraulically connected to at least one coupling element of the second type 36, which serves to supply and/or return hydraulic fluid between the coupling element of the first type 32 and the coupling element of the second type 36. In contrast, the coupling elements of the third kind 32′ do not serve to supply and/or return hydraulic fluid to the coupling elements of the second kind 36, but to supply hydraulic drives arranged inside the housing 12. The coupling element of the third type 32′ and the coupling element of the second type 36 are therefore not hydraulically connected to each other.

[0082] Each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32′ comprises a respective coupling section 31. Each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32′ extends outwards through a recess in the longitudinal wall 18 of the housing

[0083] 12 perpendicular to the longitudinal wall 18 of the housing and passes at an angle into the coupling end section 31 of the coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32′ so that the coupling end section of each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32′ points upwards,

[0084] Each of the coupling elements of the first type 32 or the coupling elements of the third type 32′ is screwed to the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 by means of a swivel screw fitting 34.

[0085] Inside each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32′ there is preferably a valve which is open in the coupled state and closed in the uncoupled state. In addition, further devices can be located inside each coupling element of the first type 32 or coupling element of the third type 32′, which serve, for example, to forward and/or return hydraulic fluid in the coupled state and to ensure fluid tightness.

[0086] The coupling element of the first type 32 or the coupling element of the third type 32′ is preferably a quick-release coupling element, which can be designed as a male or female coupling element. The coupling elements of the first type 32 and the third type 32′ are firmly connected to the housing 12.

[0087] The coupling elements of the second type 36, on the other hand, are hydraulically movable or displaceable linearly perpendicular to the longitudinal housing walls 18 of the quick coupler 10 between a basic position and a closed position and are shown in FIG. 1 in the operating position.

[0088] The coupling elements of the second type 36 are composed of a coupling plug 40 and a coupling piston 42 (cf. FIG. 6), in this case a valve plug and a valve piston. They can be designed as male or female coupling elements. It is preferably a quick-release coupling element.

[0089] Inside each coupling element of the second type 36, preferably in the coupling plug 40 or as part of the coupling element of the second type 36, a valve is provided which is open in the coupled state and closed in the uncoupled state.

[0090] Each coupling element of the second type 36, i.e. at least the coupling end section 35 of each coupling element of the second type 36, extends outwardly through a corresponding opening in the longitudinal housing wall 18 of the quick coupler 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal housing wall 18 of the quick coupler 10 in an operating position.

[0091] Inside the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10, the coupling pistons 42 of the coupling elements of the second type 36 extend into the first block cylinder 28 (cf. FIG. 6). Each coupling piston 42 of the coupling elements of the second type 36 is positioned in a recess 37 in the first block cylinder 28 (cf. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).

[0092] FIG. 2 shows a perspective transparency view of the quick coupler 10.

[0093] The block cylinder 26 arranged completely inside the housing 12 with a first block cylinder 28 and the second block cylinder 30 can be seen, wherein the block cylinder 26 is oriented in the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the block cylinders 28, 30 and vice versa.

[0094] As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first block cylinder 28 has a T-shaped cross-section with a first plane 27 and a second plane 29. The second plane 29 of the first block cylinder 28 is set back from the first plane 27.

[0095] Below the first block cylinder 28 is the second block cylinder 30. The second block cylinder 30 is cuboidal with a square cross-section and is smaller than the first block cylinder 28. It extends at a distance from the edge of the first block cylinder 28 in the longitudinal direction of the first block cylinder 28, so that the block cylinder 26 tapers in cross-section from the first plane 27 of the first block cylinder 28 to the second block cylinder 30 in a step-like manner.

[0096] The first block cylinder 28 and the second block cylinder 30 can be connected to each other by screws, gluing, plugging or by other connections. The first block cylinder 28 and the second block cylinder 30 can also be integrally formed as a double block cylinder.

[0097] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which nine coupling elements of the first type 32 and/or coupling elements of the third type 32′ are provided in the upper region of the first block cylinder 28. On one longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28 there are four, and on the opposite longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28 there are five.

[0098] Preferably, five of the coupling elements shown are coupling elements of the first type 32 and four of them are coupling elements of the third type 32′. The number of coupling elements of the first type 32 is preferably equal to the number of coupling elements 36 of the second type, since one coupling element of the first type 32 can be hydraulically coupled to one coupling element of the second type 36 in each case. The recesses 33 in the first block cylinder 28 are aligned with the corresponding openings in the housing 12. so that the coupling elements of the first type 32 and the coupling elements of the third type 32′ in the openings of the housing 12 project into the recesses 33 of the first block cylinder 28.

[0099] Inside the first block cylinder 28 there are hydraulic lines and, if necessary, distribution devices which are hydraulically connected to these nine coupling elements. Five of these lines run inside the first block cylinder 28 to the second type 36 coupling elements located below the level of the first type 32 coupling elements, so that the first type 32 coupling elements and the second type 36 coupling elements are hydraulically connected to each other. It goes without saying that several devices of the first block cylinder 28 may also be interposed within this connection, which will not be discussed in more detail.

[0100] The lines of the coupling elements of the second type 36 also run into the first block cylinder 28 and are accordingly hydraulically connected to the coupling elements of the first type 32.

[0101] The number and distribution of the coupling elements of the first type 32 and/or the coupling elements of the third type 32′ can vary (cf. e.g. FIG. 3).

[0102] In the embodiment of a block cylinder 28 shown in FIG. 3, preferably six recesses 33 are provided on a longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28 in the upper region, i.e. the first plane 27 of the first block cylinder 28, for receiving the coupling elements of the first type 32 and/or the coupling elements of the third type 32′. These six recesses 33 are arranged in series.

[0103] On the opposite longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28 (not shown), a further three recesses 33 for receiving the coupling elements of the first type 32 and/or the coupling elements of the third type 32′, are preferably arranged in an analogous manner in the first plane 29 of the first block cylinder 28. These recesses 33 are also preferably arranged in series.

[0104] Advantageously, all recesses 33 are provided with a thread into which the coupling elements of the first type 32 and/or the coupling elements of the third type 32′ can be screwed via a counterthread. It is understood that the idea of the invention also includes alternative fastening variants or combinations thereof.

[0105] In the second plane 29 of the first block cylinder 28, a further four recesses 37 are provided on the shown longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28. On the opposite longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28, which is not shown, at least three further recesses 37 are let into the first block cylinder 28. The recesses 37 serve to support the coupling elements of the second type 36, whereby one of the recesses on each longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28 serves to support a coupling bridge piston 48.

[0106] The recesses 37 in the first block cylinder 28 align with the corresponding openings in the housing 12, so that the coupling elements of the second type 36 in the openings in the housing 12 project into the recesses 37 in the first block cylinder 28.

[0107] The coupling elements of the second type 36 are mounted in the recesses 37 where they can be adjusted, in particular mounted for movement. The coupling elements of the second type 36 can be adjustable as a whole, i.e. as a complete unit, in particular they can be moved, tilted and/or swivelled. Alternatively, however, only parts of a coupling element of the second type 36, such as the coupling end sections of the coupling elements of the second type 36, can be designed to be adjustable, in particular movable, tiltable and/or pivotable, with other parts of the coupling element of the second type 36 being firmly anchored in the recesses 37, e.g. by means of a thread.

[0108] In the mutually opposite end faces of the second block cylinder 30 there are recesses 68 which are connected to each other via a channel, A double-acting locking bridge piston 58 of a locking device 24 is movably mounted in this channel and can move in the longitudinal direction of the second block cylinder 30. The locking device 24 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0109] The coupling elements of the second type 36 are connected to a coupling drive device 38, which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0110] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the quick coupler 10 without housing 12 in an exploded view. The second block cylinder 30 and the first block cylinder 28 arranged below the second block cylinder 30 can be seen. On the longitudinal walls of the first block cylinder 28 two or three coupling elements of the second type 36 are mounted in recesses 37 not shown.

[0111] The coupling elements of the second type 36 each comprise a coupling plug 40 and a coupling piston 42, the coupling pistons 42 being aligned parallel to one another. They are connected to a coupling drive device 38 which can move the coupling elements of the second type 36 between a basic position (protective position) and an operating position (coupling position).

[0112] For this purpose, the coupling drive device 38 comprises a partial coupling drive device 38a and 38b on each longitudinal wall of the first block cylinder 28. The partial coupling drive devices 38a and 38b are mirror-symmetrical.

[0113] Each partial coupling drive device 38a, 38b comprises a coupling bridge 46 and a coupling bridge piston 48 which can be acted upon on both sides. The coupling bridge 46 is rectangular in cross-section.

[0114] The coupling bridge piston 48 is firmly connected to the coupling bridge 46, for example via a screw.

[0115] Each coupling bridge 46 is connected to at least three guide devices 44 on the block cylinder side. The number of guide devices 44 corresponds to the number of coupling elements of the second type 36 plus the number of coupling bridge pistons 48. The guide devices 44 are preferably ring-like and enclose through-openings of the coupling bridge 46 on the block cylinder side.

[0116] On the side of the coupling bridge 46 facing away from the block cylinder, the coupling plugs 40 of the coupling elements of the second type 36 are positioned in the region of the openings of the coupling bridge 46, preferably firmly connected to the coupling bridge 46.

[0117] In each guide device 44 and in the corresponding through-opening in the coupling bridge piston 48, at least one section of a coupling bridge piston 48 is movably mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first block cylinder 28 or, alternatively, is fixedly connected in sections to the guide device 44 and/or to the edge of the opening of the coupling bridge 46, depending on whether only the coupling plug 40 or the entire coupling element of the second type 36 is designed to be movable.

[0118] The coupling bridge piston 48 is mounted in a recess 37 in the first block cylinder 28 and is hydraulically connected to at least one coupling element of the third type 32′.

[0119] Each coupling bridge piston 48 can move between at least two positions, a position close to the block cylinder and a position away from the block cylinder.

[0120] In the position of the coupling bridge pistons 48 close to the block cylinder, the two coupling bridges 46 of the partial coupling drive devices 38a and 38b are correspondingly also in a position close to the block cylinder and thus the coupling end sections such as the coupling plugs 46 of the coupling elements of the second type 36 as well. Preferably, the coupling drive device 38 is dimensioned such that in this position the coupling plugs 46 are entirely contained within the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10, which is not shown, which means the entire coupling elements of the second type 36 are contained within the housing 12. This position is the basic position (protective position) of the coupling elements of the second type 36.

[0121] The coupling bridge pistons 48 can be moved from the normal position to the position away from the block cylinder, which means that the coupling plugs 46 or the coupling plugs 46 with coupling pistons 42 can also be moved to the position away from the block cylinder.

[0122] In this case, the coupling drive device 38 is dimensioned in such a way that at least one coupling end section, preferably the entire coupling plug 46 of each coupling element of the second type 36 is located outside the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 in the position away from the block cylinder, This position is the operating position (coupling position) of the coupling elements of the second type 36.

[0123] The control of the coupling bridge pistons 48 is effected via at least one coupling element of the third type 32′, which can be coupled with the hydraulic system of a construction machine. The two partial coupling drive devices 38a, 38b are preferably movable synchronously, i.e. together.

[0124] Furthermore, the locking device 24 is clearly visible in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0125] The locking device 24 comprises, on each transverse side of the second block cylinder 30, a first partial locking device 24a and a second partial locking device 24b extending in the longitudinal direction of the second block cylinder 30. The partial locking devices 24a and 24b are of mirror-symmetrical design.

[0126] Each partial locking device 24a, 24b comprises a respective locking bridge 56 and a bolt drive 60 with a locking bridge piston 58.

[0127] The locking bridge piston 58 is thus aligned perpendicular to the coupling pistons 42.

[0128] The locking bridge 56 may be divided into a middle section 67 and two oppositely directed end sections 69 extending to the left and right of the middle section 67 of the locking bridge 56. The end sections 69 are in line and set back from the middle section 67 of the locking bridge 56 towards the second block cylinder 30. In other words, the middle section 67 of the locking bridge 56 is spaced further from the second block cylinder 30 than the end sections 69 of the locking bridge 56.

[0129] The locking bridge piston 58 is a conventional piston with a section movably mounted inside the second block cylinder 30 and delimits at least one hydraulic chamber inside the second block cylinder 30. According to the invention, the overall system is referred to as a bolt drive 60, whereby alternative bolt drives 60 can also be realised according to the invention, for example an electric drive.

[0130] With its end section away from the block cylinder, the locking bridge piston 58 is firmly connected, preferably screwed, to the locking bridge 56 in the area of the middle section 67 of the locking bridge 56.

[0131] In the area of the end sections 69 of the locking bridge 56, a locking bolt 54 is attached in each case, preferably screwed on. The locking bolts 54 extend away from the second block cylinder 30. They preferably extend parallel to each other and form a pair of locking bolts 54. Each locking bolt 54 is provided with a centering section 64 (cf. FIG. 8).

[0132] Each partial locking device 24a and 24b is preferably individually controllable, so that each locking bridge piston 58 of each partial locking device 24a and 24b can move separately between at least two positions, a position close to the block cylinder and a position far from the block cylinder.

[0133] In the position of the locking bridge piston 58 of a partial locking device 24a and 24b close to the block cylinder, the corresponding pair of locking bolts 54 with the corresponding locking bridge 56 is also in a position close to the block cylinder. According to the invention, this position of the pair of locking bolts 54 is referred to as the open position.

[0134] Each locking bridge piston 58 and thus also each pair of locking bolts 54 can be moved from the open position to the position away from the block cylinder. According to the invention, this position is the closed position. In this position, the locking bolts protrude through openings in the transverse wall of the housing 12,

[0135] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 after a cut according to A-A. For details, please refer to the explanations in relation to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0136] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the hydraulic connections between the coupling elements of the first type 32 and the coupling elements of the second type 36, as well as the coupling elements of the third type 32′ and the coupling bridge pistons 48. Five coupling elements of the first type 32, four coupling elements of the third type 32′ and five coupling elements of the second type 36 are shown. Each coupling element of the first type 32 is hydraulically connected to a coupling element of the second type 36. Two coupling elements of the third type 32′ are hydraulically connected to the coupling bridge pistons 48. The remaining two coupling elements of the third type 32′ in the middle of the first block cylinder 28 are hydraulically connected with the locking bridge pistons 58 of the second block cylinder 30 (not shown).

[0137] The coupling elements of the first type 32 and the coupling elements of the third type 32′ are directly couplable to the hydraulic system of a construction machine, whereas the coupling elements of the second type 36 are couplable to the hydraulic system of an adapter 70.

[0138] FIGS. 10 and 11 show the quick coupler system in the coupled state. Together with FIG. 1, the coupling between the quick coupler 10 and the adapter 70 is now described in more detail.

[0139] The starting point is that the quick coupler 10 is mounted in the usual way on a boom of a construction machine. The hydraulic hoses of the construction machine with their counter coupling elements of the second type are attached to the coupling elements of the first type 32 and the coupling elements of the third type 32′ of the quick coupler 10, so that the hydraulic system of the quick coupler 10 is coupled to the hydraulic system of the construction machine. The hydraulic system of the quick coupler 10 is then under permanent pressure during the coupling process, in particular the at least one coupling element of the second type 36, the at least one coupling drive device 38 and the at least one locking device 24.

[0140] In order to connect the quick coupler 10 to the adapter, two different coupling scenarios are conceivable depending on how far the locking bolts 54 of the locking device 24 protrude from the housing 12 of the quick coupler 10 in the open position of the locking device 24 and how far the corresponding transverse bolts 78 of the adapter 70 are spaced apart from each other, both of which scenarios are encompassed by the idea of the invention and are described below.

[0141] In the first scenario, with the locking bolts 54 of the locking device 24 in the open position tight against the housing 12 and/or the transverse bolts 78 of the adapter 70 being widely spaced, the quick coupler 10 is guided over the adapter 70 until it is aligned with the adapter. The quick coupler 10 can then be lowered until the lower housing wall 16 of the quick coupler 10 rests on the bottom 72 of the adapter 70 and the longitudinal adapter walls 74 of the adapter 70 frame the quick coupler 10. In this position, the locking bolts 58 can extend to the closed position on the opposite sides of the quick coupler 10 in the manner described and engage under the transverse bolts 78 of the adapter 70.

[0142] In a further step, the coupling elements of the second type 36, driven by the coupling drive device 38, can extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal wall of the housing 18 of the quick coupler 10 until they are hydraulically coupled to the counter coupling elements of the second type 76 on the adapter 70. The counter coupling elements of the second type 76 on the adapter are connected to further hydraulic hoses, so that the working tool on the adapter 70 is now coupled to the hydraulic system of the quick coupler 10 and thus also to the hydraulic system of the construction machine. The working tool is immediately ready for use.

[0143] In the second scenario, the quick coupler 10 is positioned at an angle to the adapter 70 and lowered until a first transverse bolt 78 of the adapter 70 slides into the space between the projection 21 on the quick coupler 10 and the same-sided first pair of locking bolts 54. The quick coupler 10 then swivels into a locked position in which the oppositely positioned pair of locking bolts 54 is below the second transverse bolt 78 of the adapter 70 and the longitudinal adapter walls 74 of the adapter 70 embrace the quick coupler 10. Now the pairs of locking bolts 54 arranged on the quick coupler 10 and facing in opposite directions move into their closed position and thus ensure the secure connection between the quick coupler 10 and the adapter 70.

[0144] In a further step, the coupling elements of the second type 36 now extend to couple with the counter coupling elements of the second type 76 on the adapter 70, as already described above.

[0145] Uncoupling between adapter 70 and quick coupler 10 is done accordingly in reverse order.

[0146] The number and distribution of the coupling elements of the first type 32, the coupling elements of the second type 36 and the coupling elements of the third type 32′ can vary according to requirements.

[0147] In the embodiments shown so far, the number of coupling elements on both sides of the quick coupler is different. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the number of coupling elements is the same on both sides. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the quick coupler system 110 has two coupling elements of the second type 136 and two counter-coupling elements of the second type 176, respectively, on each of the two longitudinal walls of the quick coupler 110 and the adapter 170. They are even arranged symmetrically. It is understood that the number of coupling elements of the second type or of the counter coupling elements of the second type and/or their arrangement may vary depending on the requirements of the quick coupler system.

[0148] In the adapter 170 shown in FIG. 12, the counter coupling element of the second type 176 is formed as a connection block 180 on the longitudinal wall 174 of the adapter, in which the part of the counter coupling element projecting from the adapter 170 is angled so that the outlet 182 of the counter coupling element of the second type 176 faces downwards.

[0149] While in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 the locking bolt 154 or the locking bridge piston 158 is screwed to the locking bridge 156, FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment of a quick coupler 110 in which a rotary lock is provided instead of the screw connection. For this purpose, an elongated hole 190 is provided in the locking bridge 156 and the locking bolt 154 or the locking bridge piston have a bolt with an elongated head 192 on their front side. The locking bolt 154 or the locking bridge piston are inserted into the elongated hole 190 by means of a bolt with an elongated head 192 and are rotated for fastening so that the elongated head 192 is aligned perpendicular to the elongated hole 190. In an analogous manner, the coupling elements of the second type 136 are attached to the coupling bridge 146.

[0150] The idea of the invention also includes a locking device 24 which is only equipped on one side with a pair of locking bolts 54 and on the opposite side, as known in the prior art, for example a projection can be arranged on the housing.

[0151] It goes without saying, that within the scope of the invention, individual features illustrated in connection with one embodiment may be combined with one another.