Abstract: A quick coupler system for connecting a work tool to an arm of a work machine includes an adapter bracket with spaced apart side walls each having first and second adapter openings for receiving first and second bracket pins of a work tool bracket. The adapter bracket is disposed between bracket side walls of the work tool bracket when the adapter openings receiving the corresponding bracket pins. A coupler link having first and second coupler openings receives and engages the first and second bracket pins to connect the work tool to the arm, with the coupler link being disposed between the adapter side walls. The adapter bracket may have an adapter hydraulic interface block that is aligned with a coupler hydraulic interface block of the coupler link to form a fluid flow path for hydraulic fluid from a pressurize fluid source of the work machine to the work tool.

Abstract: A work tool position control for a work machine is disclosed. A bucket control is used to adjust the bucket of the work tool relative to an arm of a work machine. A controller receives a bucket movement signal from the bucket control and moves the bucket. A thumb position sensor is used to measure an opening angle between a thumb of the work tool and the bucket, and the measured opening angle is sent from the thumb position sensor to the controller prior to the controller moving the bucket.

Abstract: A work machine, such as an excavator or a backhoe, has a linkage of articulating arms for maneuvering a changeable work tool. Position and motion sensors and force sensors within the linkage provide data for a controller to determine a location of the work tool and down force applied from the linkage onto the work tool during a job. Based on characteristics of the work tool, an acceptable range of down force applied by the linkage may be assigned. If down force reaches an outer bound of the acceptable range during the job, the controller may generate an alert for the operator or adjust action by the work tool to maintain the down force within the acceptable range. Depending on the work tool and job, the down-force control can help improve work quality and guard against tool damage from dry-fire or overload conditions.

Abstract: A work machine, such as an excavator or a backhoe, has a linkage of articulating arms for maneuvering a changeable work tool. Position and motion sensors and force sensors within the linkage provide data for a controller to determine a location of the work tool and down force applied from the linkage onto the work tool during a job. Before performing a grading operation, an operator may request level control for the work tool at a benchmark orientation and down-force control at a target down force. After a controller applies the target down force with the work tool at the benchmark orientation, an operator may traverse the work tool along a path radial to the work machine. While maintaining the benchmark orientation for the work tool, the controller may adjust one or more forces on the linkage to also maintain the target down force during the traversal of the work tool, leading to simpler functionality for the operator and higher quality work product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system for depressurizing a work tool auxiliary circuit fluidly connected to a work tool coupled to a work machine by a quick coupler. The system may comprise a controller configured to: receive an unlock signal for the work tool; receive tool data associated with the work tool, the tool data including a target pressure for the work tool auxiliary circuit or a release duration for the relief valve; and in response to the unlock signal and the tool data, automatically actuate opening of the relief valve (a) for the release duration or (b) until the target pressure is reached in the work tool auxiliary circuit or machine-side circuit or (c) to reach and maintain the target pressure in the work tool auxiliary circuit or machine-side circuit.

Abstract: A work tool position control for a work machine is disclosed. A bucket control is used to adjust the bucket of the work tool relative to an arm of a work machine. A controller receives a bucket movement signal from the bucket control and moves the bucket. A thumb position sensor is used to measure an opening angle between a thumb of the work tool and the bucket, and the measured opening angle is sent from the thumb position sensor to the controller prior to the controller moving the bucket.

Abstract: A quick coupler system for connecting a work tool to an arm of a work machine includes an adapter bracket with spaced apart side walls each having first and second adapter openings for receiving first and second bracket pins of a work tool bracket. The adapter bracket is disposed between bracket side walls of the work tool bracket when the adapter openings receiving the corresponding bracket pins. A coupler link having first and second coupler openings receives and engages the first and second bracket pins to connect the work tool to the arm, with the coupler link being disposed between the adapter side walls. The adapter bracket may have an adapter hydraulic interface block that is aligned with a coupler hydraulic interface block of the coupler link to form a fluid flow path for hydraulic fluid from a pressurize fluid source of the work machine to the work tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system for depressurizing a work tool auxiliary circuit fluidly connected to a work tool coupled to a work machine by a quick coupler. The system may comprise a controller configured to: receive an unlock signal for the work tool; receive tool data associated with the work tool, the tool data including a target pressure for the work tool auxiliary circuit or a release duration for the relief valve; and in response to the unlock signal and the tool data, automatically actuate opening of the relief valve (a) for the release duration or (b) until the target pressure is reached in the work tool auxiliary circuit or machine-side circuit or (c) to reach and maintain the target pressure in the work tool auxiliary circuit or machine-side circuit.

Abstract: A pin grabber coupler and method for locking and unlocking a tool to a machine is disclosed. The pin grabber coupler may comprise a tertiary lock configured to pivot between an unlocked TL position and a locked TL position. The tertiary lock may include a first and second shoulders, a leg, a tab, a latch, a bias member and a detent. The bias member may be configured to exert a biasing force on the tertiary lock to urge the tertiary lock to the locked TL position. The detent may be configured to exert, when in a hold position, a holding force against the latch that is greater than the biasing force exerted by the bias member. When the detent is in a release position, the holding force applied by the detent against the latch is less than the biasing force applied by the bias member.

Abstract: A pin grabber coupler and method for locking and unlocking a tool to a machine is disclosed. The pin grabber coupler may comprise a tertiary lock configured to pivot between an unlocked TL position and a locked TL position. The tertiary lock may include a first and second shoulders, a leg, a tab, a latch, a bias member and a detent. The bias member may be configured to exert a biasing force on the tertiary lock to urge the tertiary lock to the locked TL position. The detent may be configured to exert, when in a hold position, a holding force against the latch that is greater than the biasing force exerted by the bias member. When the detent is in a release position, the holding force applied by the detent against the latch is less than the biasing force applied by the bias member.