I-LOCK COUPLER

Abstract

A quick coupler which features a safety mechanism which facilitates ease of use and assures safe use in the workplace by use of hydraulic circuits designed to automatically reset the safety locking mechanism on intentional removal of a front pin, including use of a 2-line hydraulic supply to the coupler.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/058,232 filed Jul. 29, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safety is the most important issue in the workplace. Observing safety guidelines, equipment capacities and using common sense will provide a work environment that is safe and efficient for workers and customers. A variety of quick couplers for use with lift trucks and heavy equipment are known in the art. These quick couplers lack the safety features and ease of use of the present design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The I-Lock coupler is a quick coupler which features an innovative safety mechanism which facilitates ease of use and assures safe use in the workplace.

The hydraulic circuits of the coupler are designed to automatically reset the safety locking mechanism on intentional removal of a front pin. This design has the advantage of being able to utilize an OEM supplied 2-line hydraulic supply to the coupler as well as minimizes the time the safety locking mechanism is open.

The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art coupler.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the prior art coupler.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the coupler of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a second side sectional view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the valve and plunger of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the valve and lever of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the valve and lever of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 11-16 are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The hydraulic circuits of the coupler are designed to automatically reset the safety locking mechanism on intentional removal of a front pin. This design has the advantage of being able to utilize an OEM supplied 2-line hydraulic supply to the coupler as well as minimizes the time the safety locking mechanism is open.

In a preferred embodiment, the safety locking mechanism is a “safety knuckle”.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a prior art coupler.

FIG. 3 shows the coupler body 100. Front pin 110 (not shown) is an attachment pin that engages the coupler front hook 120. Front hook 120 is a generally C-shaped area on the coupler body 100. Within front hook 120 is a safety knuckle 130.

FIG. 4 shows wedge 140 located in wedge region 150. Wedge 140 engages with rear attachment pin 160. Safety knuckle 130 retains the front pin 110 in case of unintended retraction of wedge 140 (not shown) from rear attachment pin 160.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are each different embodiments of the coupler. These figures also show wedge 140 retracted from rear attachment pin 160.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 show sectional views of the coupler with the safety knuckle 130 omitted to better illustrate the embodiments.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 show a first embodiment of this disclosure. To engage and disengage an attachment, front pin 110 passes safety knuckle 130 and plunger 170. Plunger 170 is pushed upward by front pin 110 and then automatically releases down behind front pin 110 FIG. 8 shows valve 180 which drives plunger 170 and stores hydraulic pressure to release it.

FIGS. 6 and 9 show a second embodiment of this disclosure. To engage and disengage an attachment, front pin 110 passes safety knuckle 130 and actuator 190. For engagement, actuator 190 rotates to press lever 200 upwards engaging valve 210.

FIGS. 7 and 10 show a third embodiment of this disclosure. To engage and disengage an attachment, front pin 110 passes safety knuckle 130 and alternate actuator 220. Alternate actuator 220 has at least two corners 230. Upon rotation of actuator 220, corner 230 causes the actuator to engage with valve 240.

FIGS. 11-16 are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a Typical OEM Supplied Valve. This typically is supplied as an OEM option that is installed at the factory. It consists as a 2-line configuration which supplies oil to the “extend” and “retract” hoses.

Item 110 of FIG. 11 is a Typical OEM Supplied Valve. Item 111 of FIG. 11 is a 4-way, 2-position Solenoid operated Directional Valve. In the normal state, oil is continually supplied to the “extend” function of the coupler which maintains positive pressure on the extend side of the wedge cylinder. The “retract” line is vented to the low pressure reservoir (tank). When powered it shifts the pressure supply to the “retract” line and directs oil to the rod side of the wedge cylinder and also extends the I-Lock cylinder releasing the safety locking knuckle.

Item 112 of FIG. 11 is a Pressure Reducing/Relieving Valve. This is used to reduce the supplied pressure to a given setting, typically 120-180 bar. It will also relieve any pressure above that setting to the low pressure reservoir.

Item 113 of FIG. 11 is a Wedge Cylinder and Valve Body. The cylinder shell commonly houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need to have a separate valve body.

Item 114 of FIG. 11 is a Pilot Operated Check Valve. When the wedge is extended and the implement is secured in the coupler, the check valve maintains pressure on the head side of the wedge cylinder to lock the implement in case of loss of supply pressure. This generally happens when the machine is “off” or in the event of a supply hose failure. During the retraction of the wedge to release the implement, the check valve is piloted from the retract line, allowing flow from the head side of the wedge cylinder to return to the low pressure reservoir.

Item 115 of FIG. 11 is a Over-Pressurization Relief Valve. In the event of a large back driving force on the wedge, the Over-Pressurization Relief Valve 115 allows the high pressure oil to escape from the head side of the wedge cylinder to the rod side. This prevents damage to the hydraulic and mechanical component of the coupler. During normal operation, the relief valve is set sufficiently high to remain closed.

Item 116 of FIG. 11 is a Wedge Cylinder. This double acting hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts the coupler wedge. The wedge is the component that locks and retains the rear pin of the implement.

Item 117 of FIG. 11 is a Simple Check. This Simple Check vents the spring chamber and working port to the low pressure “retract” line ensuring the Sequence Valve 119 is in the shifted state during normal use (implement engaged and being utilized).

Item 118 of FIG. 11 is a Simple Check. This Simple Check prevents high pressure oil from the extend line from short circuiting into the retract line during normal use. After the implement is removed from the coupler (and the wedge is retracted) this check valve also vents the I-Lock cylinder to the low pressure extend line allowing the safety knuckle to reset.

Item 119 of FIG. 11 is a Sequence Valve. In the normal (unpiloted) state it vents the I-Lock cylinder to the low pressure line through Check Valves 117 and 118. In the shifted (piloted) state it connects the I-Lock cylinder to the retract line.

Item 120 of FIG. 11 is a Coupler Located Components. The coupler houses the wedge cylinder (item 2), I-Lock cylinder, manually actuated check valve, and the trigger linkage.

Item 121 of FIG. 11 is a I-Lock Cylinder. This single acting, spring return cylinder that when actuated, extends and moves the locking knuckle to the unlocked position.

Item 122 of FIG. 11 is a Manually Actuated Check Valve. In the normal state with the front pin removed from the coupler hook, the valve allows bi-directional flow. When the front pin is engaged into the coupler hook the valve acts as a check valve trapping pressure from the extend line into the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119.

Item 123 of FIG. 11 is a Trigger Linkage. The trigger linkage is used to bias the Manually Actuated Check Valve 3B in the bi-directional flow position. It is also used to generate increased leverage force to facilitate releasing pressure trapped via the Manually Actuated Check Valve when the front pin is removed from the coupler.

In general operation as shown in FIG. 11, operation of the hydraulic circuit while detaching an implement is as taught in FIG. 9. The steps include: Implement engaged (Pin inserted into the coupler hook); Directional Valve 111 in the unpowered state (extend-line powered, retract-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder extended; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Manually Actuated Check Valve 122 in the check valve position with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119; and Sequence Valve 119 in the shifted position.

FIG. 11 Procedure Steps include:

Step 1: Directional Valve 111 is powered and shifts hydraulic flow to the retract line and connects the extend line to the low pressure tank.

Step 2: The Wedge Cylinder 116 retracts and the I-Lock Cylinder 121 extends which retracts the safety knuckle.

Step 3: The operator then disengages the back and front pin removing the implement from the coupler.

Step 4: When the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the Trigger Linkage 123 resets to the normal position releasing the trapped pressure from the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119.

Step 5: Sequence Valve 119 shifts to the normal state which vents the I-Lock Cylinder through Check Valve 118 to the low pressure extend line. This immediately resets the Safety Knuckle.

Step 6: The coupler is ready to engage another implement with the Safety Knuckle armed.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment.

Item 110 of FIG. 12 is a Typical OEM Supplied Valve. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 111 of FIG. 12 is a 4-way, 2-position Solenoid operated Directional Valve. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 112 of FIG. 12 is a Pressure Reducing/Relieving Valve. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 113 of FIG. 12 is a Wedge Cylinder and Body. The cylinder shell commonly houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need to have a separate valve body.

Item 114 of FIG. 12 is a Pilot Operated Check Valve. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 115 of FIG. 12 is a Over-Pressurization Relief Valve. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 116 of FIG. 12 is a Wedge Cylinder. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 117 of FIG. 12 is a Simple Check. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 118 of FIG. 12 is a Simple Check. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 119 of FIG. 12 is a Sequence Valve. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 124 of FIG. 12 is a Simple Check. This Simple Check Valve is used to trap pressure in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119 when the Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 128 is in the blocking state.

Item 125 of FIG. 12 is a Coupler Located Components. The coupler houses the Wedge Cylinder (item 2), I-Lock Cylinder, and Manually Actuated Blocking Valve.

Item 121 of FIG. 12 is a I-Lock Cylinder. Its function is the same as described in FIG. 11.

Item 128 of FIG. 12 is a Manually Actuated Blocking Valve. In the normal state with the front pin removed from the coupler hook, the valve allows bi-directional flow. When the front pin is engaged into the coupler hook the valve is manually activated via the integrated plunger by the front pin which shifts the valve to the blocking state.

The method of operation of the hydraulic circuit while detaching an implement includes the steps of: Implement engaged (Pin inserted into the coupler hook); Directional Valve 111 in the unpowered state (extend-line powered, retract-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder extended; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 128 in the blocking state with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119; and Sequence Valve 119 in the shifted position.

FIG. 12 Procedure Steps for disengagement includes:

Step 1: Directional Valve 111 is powered and shifts hydraulic flow to the retract line and connects the extend line to the low pressure tank.

Step 2: The Wedge Cylinder 116 retracts and the I-Lock Cylinder 121 extends which retracts the safety knuckle.

Step 3: The operator then disengages the back and front pin removing the implement from the coupler.

Step 4: When the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the Manually Activated Blocking Valve 128's plunger resets to the normal position releasing the trapped pressure from the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119.

Step 5: Sequence Valve 119 shifts to the normal state which vents the I-Lock Cylinder through Check Valve 118 to the low pressure extend line. This immediately resets the Safety Knuckle.

Step 6: The coupler is ready to engage another implement with the Safety Knuckle armed.

Operation of the hydraulic circuit while attaching an implement includes the steps of: Implement disengaged (Pin removed from the coupler hook); Directional Valve 111 in the powered state (retract-line powered, extend-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder retracted; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 128 in the normal (bi-directional flow) state; Sequence Valve 119 in the normal position.

Procedure Steps for attachment engagement includes:

Step 1: The operator starts to engage the front pin into the coupler hook. The front pin pivots the spring biased safety knuckle to the unlocked position allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. When the pin is fully engaged into the hook, the safety knuckle immediately returns to the locked position via the bias spring and the integrated plunger activates the Manually Activated Blocking Valve 128.

Step 2: The operator then engages the back pin into the wedge section of the coupler.

Step 3: Directional Valve 111 is depowered and shifts hydraulic flow to the extend line and connects the retract line to the low pressure tank.

Step 4: The Wedge Cylinder 116 extends and secures the back pin.

Step 5: Extend line pressure is trapped in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119 via the Simple Check Valve 124 and the Manually Activated Blocking Valve 128 shifting Sequence Valve 119.

Step 6: The implement is secured in the coupler.

FIG. 13 shows the circuit of another embodiment.

The circuit of FIG. 13 has the advantage of activating the trigger momentarily as opposed to the embodiment of FIG. 11. This provides increased reliability and additional flexibility to tolerate various pin sizes and hook wear.

As illustrated, Item 130 of FIG. 13 is a Typical OEM Supplied Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 111 of FIG. 13 is a 4-way, 2-position Solenoid operated Directional Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 112 of FIG. 13 is a Pressure Reducing/Relieving Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 113 of FIG. 13 is a Wedge Cylinder and Body. The cylinder shell commonly houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need to have a separate valve body. It contains the following items:

Item 114 of FIG. 13 is a Pilot Operated Check Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 115 of FIG. 13 is a Over-Pressurization Relief Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 116 of FIG. 13 is a Wedge Cylinder. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 117 of FIG. 13 is a Simple Check. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 118 of FIG. 13 is a Simple Check. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 119 of FIG. 13 is a Sequence Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 124 of FIG. 13 is a Simple Check. This Simple Check Valve is used to trap pressure in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 2F when the Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 3D is in the blocking state.

Item 125 of FIG. 13 is a Coupler Located Components. The coupler houses the Wedge Cylinder (item 113), I-Lock Cylinder, and Manually Actuated Blocking Valve.

Item 121 of FIG. 13 is a I-Lock Cylinder. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 131 of FIG. 13 is a Manually Actuated Check Valve. In the normal state with the front pin engaged or disengaged completely from the coupler hook, the valve acts as a check valve trapping pressure from the extend line into the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119 of FIG. 13. When the front pin exits the coupler hook the valve is manually activated momentarily via the Trigger Linkage 123 releasing trapped pressure to the extend line.

Item 123 of FIG. 13 is a Trigger Linkage. The trigger linkage is used to bias the Manually Actuated Check Valve 131 in the check valve position. It is also used to generate increased leverage force to facilitate releasing pressure trapped via the Manually Actuated Check Valve when the front pin is removed from the coupler.

Operation of the hydraulic circuit of FIG. 13 while detaching an implement include an Initial State; Implement engaged (Pin inserted into the coupler hook); Directional Valve 111 in the unpowered state (extend-line powered, retract-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder extended; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Manually Actuated Check Valve 131 in the check valve position with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119; Sequence Valve 119 in the shifted position.

The Procedure Steps of this of FIG. 13 embodiment include:

Step 1 is Directional Valve 111 is powered and shifts hydraulic flow to the retract line and connects the extend line to the low pressure tank.

Step 2 is the Wedge Cylinder 116 retracts and the I-Lock Cylinder 121 extends which retracts the safety knuckle.

Step 3 is the operator then disengages the back and front pin removing the implement from the coupler.

Step 4 is, when the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the Trigger Linkage 3C momentarily activates the Manually Activated Check Valve 131 to the open position releasing the trapped pressure from the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119.

Step 5 is Sequence Valve 119 shifts to the normal state which vents the I-Lock Cylinder through Check Valve 118 to the low pressure extend line. This immediately resets the Safety Knuckle.

Step 6 is that the coupler is now ready to engage another implement with the Safety Knuckle armed.

Operation of this hydraulic circuit of FIG. 13 while attaching an implement is includes: Initial State; Implement disengaged (Pin removed from the coupler hook); Directional Valve 111 in the powered state (retract-line powered, extend-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder retracted; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Manually Actuated Check Valve 131 in the check valve position; Sequence Valve 119 in the normal position.

The Procedure Steps of FIG. 13 embodiment include:

Step 1 is the operator starts to engage the front pin into the coupler hook. The front pin pivots the spring biased safety knuckle to the unlocked position allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. As the front pin transitions into the coupler hook, the Trigger Linkage 123 momentarily activates the Manually Activated Check Valve 131 ensuring that the pilot pressure from Sequence Valve 119 is released and the I-Lock cylinder is retracted. When the pin is fully engaged into the hook, the safety knuckle immediately returns to the locked position and the Manually Activated Check Valve 131 returns to the normal check valve position.

Step 2 is the operator then engages the back pin into the wedge section of the coupler.

Step 3 is Directional Valve 111 is depowered and shifts hydraulic flow to the extend line and connects the retract line to the low pressure tank.

Step 4 is the Wedge Cylinder 116 extends and secures the back pin.

Step 5 is extend line pressure is trapped in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119 via the Manually Activated Check Valve 3F shifting Sequence Valve 119.

Step 6 is the implement is secured in the coupler.

FIG. 14 shows a Variation of the FIG. 12 Circuit (including a Momentary Trigger).

This circuit of FIG. 14 has the advantage of activating the trigger momentarily as opposed to the Hydraulic Circuit of FIG. 12. This provides increased reliability and additional flexibility to tolerate various pin sizes and hook wear.

Item 140 of FIG. 14 is a Typical OEM Supplied Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 111 of FIG. 14 is a 4-way, 2-position Solenoid operated Directional Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 112 of FIG. 14 is a Pressure Reducing/Relieving Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 113 of FIG. 14 is a Wedge Cylinder and Body. The cylinder shell commonly houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need to have a separate valve body.

Item 114 of FIG. 14 is a Pilot Operated Check Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 115 of FIG. 14 is a Over-Pressurization Relief Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 116 of FIG. 14 is a Wedge Cylinder. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 117 of FIG. 14 is a Simple Check. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 118 of FIG. 14 is a Simple Check. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 119 of FIG. 14 is a Sequence Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 124 of FIG. 14 is a Simple Check. This Simple Check Valve is used to trap pressure in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119 when the Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 128 is in the blocking state.

Item 125 of FIG. 14 are Coupler Located Components. The coupler houses the Wedge Cylinder (item 113), I-Lock Cylinder, and Manually Actuated Blocking Valve.

Item 121 of FIG. 14 is a I-Lock Cylinder. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 141 of FIG. 14 is a Manually Actuated Blocking Valve. It is manually activated momentarily via the integrated plunger releasing trapped pressure to the extend line.

Operation of the FIG. 14 embodiment of the hydraulic circuit while detaching an implement includes: Initial State; Implement engaged (Pin inserted into the coupler hook); Directional Valve 111 in the unpowered state (extend-line powered, retract-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder extended; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 141 in the blocking state with high pressure trapped in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119; Sequence Valve 119 in the shifted position.

Procedure Steps of the FIG. 14 detaching are:

Step 1 is Directional Valve 111 is powered and shifts hydraulic flow to the retract line and connects the extend line to the low pressure tank.

Step 2 is the Wedge Cylinder 116 retracts and the I-Lock Cylinder 121 extends which retracts the safety knuckle.

Step 3 is the operator then disengages the back and front pin removing the implement from the coupler.

Step 4 is, when the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, the Manually Activated Blocking Valve 141's plunger is momentarily triggered by the front pin to the open position releasing the trapped pressure from the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119.

Step 5 is Sequence Valve 119 shifts to the normal state which vents the I-Lock Cylinder through Check Valve 118 to the low pressure extend line. This immediately resets the Safety Knuckle.

Step 6 is the coupler is now ready to engage another implement with the Safety Knuckle armed.

Operation of the hydraulic circuit of FIG. 14 while attaching an implement includes: Initial State; Implement disengaged (Pin removed from the coupler hook); Directional Valve 111 in the powered state (retract-line powered, extend-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder retracted; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 141 in the blocking state; Sequence Valve 119 in the normal position

Procedure Steps of the FIG. 14 circuit attaching an implement are:

Step 1 is the operator starts to engage the front pin into the coupler hook. The front pin pivots the spring biased safety knuckle to the unlocked position allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. As the front pin transitions into the coupler hook, the Manually Activated Check Valve 141's plunger is momentarily triggered by the front pin ensuring that the pilot pressure from Sequence Valve 119 is released and the I-Lock cylinder is retracted. When the pin is fully engaged into the hook, the safety knuckle immediately returns to the locked position and the Manually Activated Check Valve 141 returns to the normal blocking state.

Step 2 is the operator then engages the back pin into the wedge section of the coupler.

Step 3 is Directional Valve 111 is depowered and shifts hydraulic flow to the extend line and connects the retract line to the low pressure tank.

Step 4 is the Wedge Cylinder 116 extends and secures the back pin.

Step 5 is an Extend line pressure is trapped in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119 via the Simple Check Valve 124 and the Manually Activated Blocking Valve 141 shifting Sequence Valve 119.

Step 6 is the implement is secured in the coupler.

FIG. 15 shows is a Variation of the FIG. 11 Circuit (including a Momentary Trigger).

FIG. 15 has the advantage of activating the trigger momentarily as opposed to Hydraulic Circuit of FIG. 11. This provides increased reliability and additional flexibility to tolerate various pin sizes and hook wear.

Item 150 of FIG. 15 is a Typical OEM Supplied Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 111 of FIG. 15 is a 4-way, 2-position Solenoid operated Directional Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 112 of FIG. 15 is a Pressure Reducing/Relieving Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 113 of FIG. 15 is a Wedge Cylinder and Body. The cylinder shell commonly houses the hydraulic valve components eliminating the need to have a separate valve body.

Item 114 of FIG. 15 is a Pilot Operated Check Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 115 of FIG. 15 is a Over-Pressurization Relief Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 116 of FIG. 15 is a Wedge Cylinder. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 118 of FIG. 15 is a Simple Check. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 119 of FIG. 15 is a Sequence Valve. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 124 of FIG. 15 is a Simple Check. This Simple Check Valve is used to trap pressure in the pilot port of Sequence Valve 119 when the Manually Actuated Blocking Valve 128 is in the blocking state.

Item 125 of FIG. 15 are Coupler Located Components. The coupler houses the Wedge Cylinder (item 113), I-Lock Cylinder, and Manually Actuated Blocking Valve.

Item 121 of FIG. 15 is a I-Lock Cylinder. Its function is the same as described as per FIG. 11.

Item 151 of FIG. 15 is a 3-way, 2 position Pilot Actuated Manually Restrained Sequence Valve. In the normal (unpiloted) state it vents the I-Lock cylinder to the low pressure line. In the shifted (piloted) state when manual override is released it connects the I-Lock cylinder to the extend line.

Item 153 of FIG. 15 is a Trigger Assembly. The trigger assembly is used to restrain the valve into the neutral position when pilot pressure is applied and the pin is initially engaged.

Operation of this hydraulic circuit of FIG. 15 while detaching an implement includes: Initial State; Implement engaged (Pin inserted into the coupler hook); Trigger assembly is engaged into spool (shown as “State 2” in FIG. 1); Directional Valve 111 in the unpowered state (extend-line powered, retract-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder extended; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Sequence Valve 151 in neutral position (pilot pressure retract line is vented to tank).

Procedure Steps of disengaging per FIG. 15 circuit include:

Step 1 is Directional Valve 111 is powered and shifts hydraulic flow to the retract line and connects the extend line to the low pressure tank. Pressure in the retract circuit attempts to shift Sequence Valve 151 which is manually overrode by the Trigger Assembly maintaining the neutral spool position (shown as “State 2” in FIG. 1).

Step 2 is Wedge Cylinder 116 retracts and the I-Lock Cylinder 3A extends which retracts the safety knuckle.

Step 3 is the operator then disengages the back and front pin removing the implement from the coupler.

Step 4 is, when the front pin is removed from the coupler hook, it displaces the Trigger Assembly 153 moving the releasing the manual over ride position allowing Sequence Valve 151 to shift (shown as “State 3” in FIG. 1).

Step 5 is Sequence Valve 151 shifts thus venting the I-Lock cylinder pressure to tank through the depressurized wedge extend line. This immediately resets the Safety Knuckle.

Step 6 is the coupler is now ready to engage another implement with the Safety Knuckle armed.

Operation of the hydraulic circuit of FIG. 15 while attaching an implement includes: Initial State; Implement disengaged (Pin removed from the coupler hook); Trigger Assembly is disengaged into spool (shown as “State 3” in FIG. 1); Directional Valve 111 in the powered state (retract-line powered, extend-line vented to tank); Wedge Cylinder retracted; I-Lock Cylinder retracted; Sequence Valve 151 in the piloted position.

Procedure Steps for engaging an implement pursuant to this FIG. 15 circuit include:

Step 1 is the operator starts to engage the front pin into the coupler hook. The front pin pivots the spring biased safety knuckle to the unlocked position allowing the front pin to be inserted into the hook section. As the front pin transitions into the coupler hook, the Trigger Assembly 153 contacts the already shifted spool causing no effect. If the Sequence Valve 151 shifts back to the neutral position due to the pump being in the off state and both extend and retract vented to tank the Trigger Assembly would engage the spool on entry and allow Sequence Valve 151 to shift and vent !-Lock cylinder pressure to tank through the depressurized wedge extend line.

Step 2 is the operator then engages the back pin into the wedge section of the coupler.

Step 3 is Directional Valve 111 is depowered and shifts hydraulic flow to the extend line and connects the retract line to the low pressure tank. Pilot pressure is removed from Sequence Valve 151 and the valve due to spring bias returns to neutral state. Trigger Assembly 153 engages the spool (shown as “State 2” in FIG. 1).

Step 4 is the Wedge Cylinder 116 extends and secures the back pin.

Step 5 is the implement is secured in the coupler.

FIG. 16 shows generally the spool and trigger assembly various states.

The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A method of engaging an attachment to a coupler body, including the steps of:

a) engaging a front attachment pin within a coupler cavity of the coupler body, lowering the coupler body to contact a rear attachment pin such that a safety knuckle of the coupler locks over the attachment;

b) extending a primary wedge up the coupler body to lock the rear attachment pin;

c) actuating a lockout switch to build hydraulic pressure.

2. A method of detaching an attachment from a coupler body, including the steps of:

a) actuating a lockout switch to build hydraulic pressure;

b) retracting a safety knuckle thereby releasing a front attachment pin, permitting the safety knuckle to reset to a ready position automatically;

c) retracting a primary wedge thereby releasing a rear attachment pin.

3. A coupler to link an attachment to a motorized vehicle, the coupler including:

a) a coupler body having a front hook capable of engaging a front attachment pin;

b) a safety knuckle housed within the front hook, the safety knuckle being capable of moving from a non retracted position to a retracted position to permit the front attachment pin to enter the front hook, and then returning to a non retracted position to secure the front attachment pin;

c) a wedge capable of slidingly engaging a rear attachment pin;

d) an actuator and valve set activated by motion of the front attachment pin into the front hook, capable of storing hydraulic energy to assist and release of the safety knuckle.