TOOL HOLDER FOR A MACHINE WITH AN IMPROVED SAFETY SYSTEM

Abstract

A tool holder for a machine includes a frame and an actuator that can be moved from a retracted state to an extended state and back. The frame includes a hook shaped recess having an opening and a cut out arranged at a distance from the hook shaped recess so that a front bracket pin of a tool can releasably connect to the hook shaped recess by entering the opening and a rear bracket pin of the tool can releasably connect to the cut out. The actuator is fixedly connected to the frame with one end. The actuator includes a locking element that is designed to change the shape of the cut out in the extended state of the actuator. The actuator includes a securing assembly designed to reduce the size of the opening of the hook shaped recess in the retracted state of the actuator. The rear bracket pin can enter the cut out in the retracted state of the actuator and the front bracket pin can enter the hook shaped recess in the extended state of the actuator.

Claims

1. A tool holder for a machine comprising: a frame; and an actuator that can be moved from a retracted state to an extended state and back, wherein the frame comprising comprises a hook shaped recess having an opening and a cut out arranged at a distance from the hook shaped recess, so that a front bracket pin of a tool can releasably connect to the hook shaped recess by entering the opening and a rear bracket pin of the tool can releasably connect to the cut out, wherein the actuator is fixedly connected to the frame with one end, the actuator further comprising a locking element that is designed to change the shape of the cut out in the extended state of the actuator, wherein the actuator further comprises a securing assembly designed to reduce the size of the opening of the hook shaped recess in the retracted state of the actuator, and wherein the rear bracket pin can enter the cut out in the retracted state of the actuator and wherein the front bracket pin can enter the hook shaped recess in the extended state of the actuator and wherein the securing assembly comprises a securing finger fixedly connected to the actuator.

2. The tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is designed to change the shape of the cut out from a cut out to a hook shaped cut out as seen in a cross-sectional plane being cut through the tool holder and the cut out, said cross sectional plane being oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rear bracket pin of the tool, when said rear bracket pin is snug embedded in the cut out.

3. The tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the opening is equal or greater than a diameter of the rear- or front bracket pin of the tool, when the actuator is in the extended state, and wherein the opening is smaller than a diameter of the rear- or front bracket pin of the tool, when the actuator is in the retracted state.

4. The tool holder according to claim 3, wherein the size of the opening is measured in a cross-sectional plane being cut through the tool holder and the hook shaped recess, said cross sectional plane being oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the front bracket pin of a tool, when said front bracket pin is snug embedded in the hook shaped recess.

5. The tool holder according to claim 1, the actuator further comprising a rod and a housing into which the rod can retract and from which the rod can extend, wherein the rod is connected to the frame and wherein the housing is moving in relation to the frame when the actuator is moving between the retracted and the extended state and wherein the securing assembly and the locking element are fixedly connected to the housing.

6. The tool holder according to claim 5, wherein the securing assembly and the locking element extend in opposite directions from the housing and wherein said opposite directions are parallel to a movement path defined by the actuator.

7. The tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least two side plates and a web, the web interconnecting the at least two side plates, said side plates being arranged parallel to one another and wherein each of the at least two side plates comprise the cut out and the hook shaped recess.

8. The tool holder according to claim 5, wherein the actuator is connected to the web and wherein the frame further comprises a motion link in which a part of the housing is engaged for controlling the movement of the housing when the actuator is extending and retracting.

9. The tool holder according to any of the previous claims claim 5, wherein the housing of the actuator is H-shaped, wherein each leg of the H-shape comprises one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

10. (canceled)

11. The tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the securing assembly comprises a latch and the securing finger, the securing finger being fixedly connected to the actuator and the latch being design to be moved by the securing finger to change the size of the opening when the actuator is in the retracted state.

12. The tool holder according to claim 9, wherein the securing finger comprises a ramp at a free end thereof.

13. The tool holder according to claim 2, wherein the opening is equal or greater than a diameter of the rear- or front bracket pin of the tool, when the actuator is in the extended state, and wherein the opening is smaller than a diameter of the rear- or front bracket pin of the tool, when the actuator is in the retracted state.

14. The tool holder according to claim 2, the actuator further comprising a rod and a housing into which the rod can retract and from which the rod can extend, wherein the rod is connected to the frame and wherein the housing is moving in relation to the frame when the actuator is moving between the retracted and the extended state and wherein the securing assembly and the locking element are fixedly connected to the housing.

15. The tool holder according to claim 3, the actuator further comprising a rod and a housing into which the rod can retract and from which the rod can extend, wherein the rod is connected to the frame and wherein the housing is moving in relation to the frame when the actuator is moving between the retracted and the extended state and wherein the securing assembly and the locking element are fixedly connected to the housing.

16. The tool holder according to claim 4, the actuator further comprising a rod and a housing into which the rod can retract and from which the rod can extend, wherein the rod is connected to the frame and wherein the housing is moving in relation to the frame when the actuator is moving between the retracted and the extended state and wherein the securing assembly and the locking element are fixedly connected to the housing.

17. The tool holder according to claim 2, wherein the frame comprises at least two side plates and a web, the web interconnecting the at least two side plates, said side plates being arranged parallel to one another and wherein each of the at least two side plates comprise the cut out and the hook shaped recess.

18. The tool holder according to claim 3, wherein the frame comprises at least two side plates and a web, the web interconnecting the at least two side plates, said side plates being arranged parallel to one another and wherein each of the at least two side plates comprise the cut out and the hook shaped recess.

19. The tool holder according to claim 4, wherein the frame comprises at least two side plates and a web, the web interconnecting the at least two side plates, said side plates being arranged parallel to one another and wherein each of the at least two side plates comprise the cut out and the hook shaped recess.

20. The tool holder according to claim 5, wherein the frame comprises at least two side plates and a web, the web interconnecting the at least two side plates, said side plates being arranged parallel to one another and wherein each of the at least two side plates comprise the cut out and the hook shaped recess.

21. The tool holder according to claim 6, wherein the frame comprises at least two side plates and a web, the web interconnecting the at least two side plates, said side plates being arranged parallel to one another and wherein each of the at least two side plates comprise the cut out and the hook shaped recess.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The present invention will now be described, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of an embodiment(s) and with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:

[0054] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a tool holder according to a first embodiment of the invention:

[0055] FIGS. 2a to 2d schematically illustrate a coupling sequence between the tool holder of FIG. 1 shown in a cross-sectional view and a tool and a front- and rear bracket pin, thereof respectively, for illustrative purposes;

[0056] FIGS. 3a to 3d schematically illustrate a decoupling sequence between the tool holder of FIG. 1 shown in the cross-sectional view and the tool and the front- and rear bracket pin, thereof respectively, for illustrative purposes;

[0057] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a tool holder according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0058] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cross -sectional view of the tool holder according to FIG. 4, and

[0059] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates another cross-sectional view of the tool holder according to FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Turning now to the figures two embodiments are herewith described in more detail using reference numbers and figures. The invention may be applicable in many ways, which means the two embodiments are in no way limiting to the invention. A first embodiment is shown and explained referring to FIGS. 1 to 3d. A second embodiment is shown and explained referring to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates a tool holder 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The tool holder 1 comprises a frame 4 having two side plates 10 some kind of a web 12 and a connector 18 for coupling the tool holder 1 to a machine arm, which connector is shown in the form of two loops in each of the side plates 10. The frame 4 may be designed in another way, it may for example be cut from a block of steel or it may be designed as a more or less rectangular solid or the like.

[0062] The frame 4 further comprises a hook shaped recess 14 and a cut out 16 arranged at a distance from one another on opposite corners of the frame 4 as shown in FIG. 1. The hook shaped recess 14 comprises an opening 24 that allows a front bracket pin 102 of a tool 100 to enter the hook shaped recess 14 as illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 3d, depending on the position of an actuator 2 and a securing assembly 22 in the form of a pair of lock fingers 22 (c.f. FIGS. 2a to 3d). In FIG. 1 the opening 24 is limited, which is indicated by the dashed line extending from the securing assembly 22, so that a bracket pin (not shown) cannot exit nor enter the hook shaped recess 14. Still referring to FIG. 1 the hook shaped recess 14 further comprises a lower receiver part 26 that is bent slightly upwards as seen versus a horizontal plane a) as indicated in FIG. 1. The lower receiver part 26 may also be bent upwards so that the hook shaped recess 14 defines a proper hook.

[0063] From FIG. 1 it can be seen that the securing assembly 22 changes the size of the opening depending on its position. The securing assembly 22 is shown in the form of pair of securing fingers or lock fingers. This will be further explained referring to FIGS. 2a to 2d, which illustrate a cross sectional view onto a cut along plane II-II, as indicated in FIG. 1.

[0064] FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrate a coupling sequence between a tool 100 comprising a front bracket pin 102 and a rear bracket pin 104 and a tool holder 1 according to the invention.

[0065] FIG. 2a illustrates a hooking i) of the front bracket pin 102 into the hook shaped recess 14. The actuator 2 is in an extended position so that the securing assembly 22 does not change the opening 24 of the hook shaped recess 14. In FIG. 2a a locking element 20 of the actuator 2 is blocking the rear bracket pin 104 from entering into the cut out 16. Once the front bracket pin 102 is embedded snug in the hook shaped recess 102, the actuator 2 is retracted, as shown in FIG. 2b, which leads to a secure locking of the front bracket pin 102 in the hook shaped recess 14 via the securing assembly 22. Once the actuator 2 is in the retracted position and the opening 24 is limited in size due the securing assembly 22, the front bracket pin 102 cannot exit the hook shaped recess 14 any longer and the next sequence of the coupling can be performed as illustrated in FIG. 2c. In FIG. 2c the tilting ii) of the tool holder 1 is illustrated. The rear bracket pin 104 becomes snug embedded in the cut out 16 when the tool holder 1 is tilted. Once the rear bracket pin 104 is snug embedded in the cut out 16, the actuator 2 is extended iii) and the locking element 20 is locking the rear bracket pin 104 in the cut out 16 as illustrated in FIG. 2d. Due to form restriction by the cut out 16, the hook shaped recess 14, the locking element 20 and the lower receiver part 26 of the hook shaped recess 14, the rear bracket pin 104 and the front bracket pin 102 are securely connected to the tool holder 1.

[0066] FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrate a decoupling sequence of the tool holder 1 from the tool 100 with the front bracket pin 102 and the rear bracket pin 104.

[0067] FIG. 3a illustrates the tool holder 1 with the actuator 2 in an extended position with the locking element 20 changing the shape of the cut out 16 so that the rear bracket pin 104 of the tool 100 cannot exit the tool holder 1. The opening 24 is not limited in its size but the lower receiver part 26 still blocks the front bracket pin 102 from disengaging while the rear bracket pin 104 is blocked from disengaging by the locking element 20. The tool 100 is typically put iv) on the ground in a stable position in this configuration. Once the tool 100 is safely put on the ground, the decoupling sequence can begin by moving v) the actuator 2 from the extended position into the retracted position so that the locking element 20 is withdrawn and does therewith not change the shape of the cut out 16 any longer which means that the rear bracket pin 104 is free for disengaging or decoupling from the cut out 16, as shown in FIG. 3b. At the same time the securing assembly 22 or pair of securing fingers is/are moved so that it limits the size of the opening 24 of the hook shaped recess 14, which opening 24 is therewith preventing the front bracket pin 102 from exiting the hook shaped recess 14 and thus providing additional safety, since a fall of the tool 1 is basically impossible.

[0068] FIG. 3c illustrates the step of tilting vi) of the tool holder 1 once the actuator 2 is in the retracted position. During the tilting vi) the rear bracket pin 104 disengages from the cut out 16. Due to the form restriction in the hook shaped recess 14, which form restriction is formed by the securing assembly 22, the front bracket pin 102 cannot exit the hook shaped recess 14. Once the rear bracket pin 104 is disengaged from the cut out 16, the actuator 2 is moved into an extended position as shown in FIG. 3d. Moving the actuator 2 into the extended position enlarges the opening 24 again since the securing assembly 22 is moved out of vicinity of the hook shaped recess 14. Once the actuator 2 is in the extended position the tool holder 1 can be disengaged from the front bracket pin 102 and thereby release the tool 100 by moving the tool holder 1 backwards towards the rear bracket pin 104 and upwards away from the tool holder 100.

[0069] The basic principle of the invention has now been described referring to a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3d. The same sequence and method as described previously can be achieved and performed using a second embodiment of the tool holder 1, herewith explained referring to FIGS. 4 to 6. Similar reference numbers describe similar elements. The tool holder 1 according to FIG. 4 works in a very similar principle as the one described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3d.

[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates a tool holder 1 comprising a frame 4 and a hook shaped recess 14. The frame 4 is illustrated comprising its two side plates 10 and the web 12 interconnecting the side plates 10. The tool holder 1 comprises a securing assembly 22 in the form of a latch 22a and a securing finger 22b that can limit the opening 240 when the actuator 2 is in the retracted position. The securing finger or locking finger 22b is pushing the latch 22a upwards when the actuator 2 is in the retracted position, which again limits the size of the opening 240 to a size smaller than the diameter of the front bracket pin 102. This will prevent the front bracket pin from exiting the hook shaped recess 14. This is well visible in FIG. 5. The pivoting point of the latch 22a is fixed to the frame 4. The securing finger 22b may comprise a ramp or the like at its free end so that the latch 22a can be easily scoop up when the actuator 2 moves into the retracted position. Each latch 22a and securing finger 22b move at least more or less in the same movement plane so that the securing finger 22b can interact with the latch 22a and scoop the latter or release it. In the position or situation shown in FIG. 5, the tool 100 can either be locked by moving the actuator 2 to the extended position as shown in FIG. 6 or the tool holder 1 may be tilted to start the decoupling sequence by disengaging the rear bracket pin 104 from the cut out 16 as described in FIGS. 3a to 3d referring to the first embodiment of the tool holder 1.

[0071] FIG. 6 finally illustrates the form-fit locking of the tool 100 in the tool holder 1. The rear bracket pin 104 is locked in the cut out 16 because a locking element 20 is changing the shape of the cut out 16 due to the extended position of the actuator 2. The locking element 20 and the securing finger 22b are connected to the actuator 2. The locking element 20 and the securing finger 22b are extending in opposite ways from the actuator 2 along a direction of movement path of the actuator 2.

[0072] The hook shaped recess 14 also comprises a lower receiver part 26 that makes it impossible to disengage the tool 100 from the tool holder 1.

[0073] The method steps described in connection with FIGS. 2a to 2d for coupling the tool 100 to the tool holder 1 can be applied and used in the same manner as with the tool holder 1 illustrated in FIGS. 4 o 6. Similarly, the sequence for decoupling 3a to 3d can also be applied or used with the tool holder 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0074] The invention has now been described according to the FIGS. 1 to 6. The tool holder 1, 1 according to the first and the second embodiment significantly improve safety since the front bracket pin 102 is typically securely locked when the rear bracket pin 104 is snug embedded in the hook shaped recess 14, 14. This increases safety among others during manoeuvring, decoupling and coupling of the tool 100, as previously explained.

[0075] Even if the rear bracket pin 104 is jammed by the locking element 20, 20 during coupling, the tool 100 is still secured in the tool holder 1, 1 by the securing assembly 22, 22 as explained, since the actuator 2, 2 is still in the retracted position when the locking element 20, 20 is jammed and therewith the opening 24, 24, 240, 240 is still limited so that the front bracket pin 102 cannot break free or disengage from the hook shaped recess 14, 14.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 5 the actuator 2, 2 may comprise a rod 8, 8 and a housing 6, 6 into which the rod 8, 8 can retract. The actuator 2, 2 may be a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The locking element 20, 20 and the securing finger or securing element 22a, 22 may be fixedly connected to the housing 6, 6 so that they extend from the housing in opposite directions. The housing 6, 6 and the rod 8, 8 are indicated in FIGS. 2a and 5. The housing 6, 6 may be configured to move in a motion link in the frame 4, 4 when the actuator 2, 2 is extended and retracted.

[0077] The securing assembly 22 according to both embodiments may comprise a pair of securing fingers 22 for instance extending from each leg of a H-cylinder housing. In addition, the second embodiment may comprise a pair of latches 22a. The locking element 20, 20 may also be designed as a pair of locking elements in both embodiments. The pair of securing fingers 22, 22b and/or latches 22a and the pair of locking fingers 20, 20 may be arranged close to or at the two sides 10, 10 of the frame 4, 4. The invention however also works without providing a pair of securing fingers, latches or locking elements but with at least one of each.