Importance

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Abstract

An integrated hydraulic quick change side tilting coupler for attaching and detaching a tool for use on wheel and track loaders and material handlers. A coupler frame is hingedly mounted at the end of the loader arm for swinging in a vertical plane actuated by the loader hydraulic system. A radius plate on the frame has an upwardly projecting curved rim adapted to engage two bearing points on the tool for mounting and dismounting the tool. A central pivot pin projects forwardly from the frame and fits a bore in the tool. The axis of the pin is on the focal point of curvature of the plate permitting pivoting of the tool and consequent side-tilting of the tool about that axis. When the frame is coupled to the tool the upper portion of the plate is locked in a retainer at the top rear of the tool. A pair of locking and tilt cylinders is mounted on the frame, their rods carrying trunions which are retracted and extended thereby. The trunions cooperate with locking pivot pins which extend rearwardly from the lower rear face of the tool. These pins are rotatably engaged in the trunions when the rods are extended and released when they are retracted. Hydraulic controls are provided for retracting and extending the rods for coupling and uncoupling and for simultaneously extending one rod and retracting the other for tilting the tool in either direction about the central pivot pin. Thus the same pair of cylinders performs both the functions of locking and unlocking the tool for coupling and de-coupling and of tilting the coupled tool either way.

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First Claim