Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to systems for attaching a tool to a work machine.
Background
[0002] In this specification, a work machine means a vehicle which is configured to manipulate
and operate a tool mounted on the vehicle. In particular, a work machine includes
a vehicle having at least one arm and an arrangement of actuators for moving the arm,
wherein the tool is connected at a distal end of the arm. Usually the actuators are
hydraulic.
[0003] Wheeled or tracked work machines such as excavators and backhoe loaders are commonly
configured to operate a variety of interchangeable tools, for example, for digging
and shifting loose materials, crushing or breaking concrete, handling shaped loads,
compacting surfacing materials and other specialist functions. Each tool is releasably
coupled to the machine by a coupling assembly which connects a tool mounting body
of the tool in fixed relation to a machine mounting body of the machine to as to transmit
forces between the tool and the machine in use.
[0004] Different types of work machine tend to have different coupling systems.
[0005] For example, tractors or other work machines intended for agricultural use may have
a coupling system such as disclosed by
US7562718 (B1) which teaches to connect a plough to a vehicle by means of a pair of collinear pins
retracted and extended by a pivoting linkage.
[0006] Work machines intended principally for use in building construction and the like
tend to employ a relatively more compact attachment system which can transmit high
bending moments through relatively closely spaced connection points, so that a tool
can be mounted for example at the distal end of a hydraulically operated arm, often
referred to as the stick and mounted in turn at the distal end of another arm known
as the boom, so that the tool can be manipulated with multiple degrees of freedom
in a confined workspace.
[0007] By way of example, Figs. 1 - 8 illustrate a known type of tool coupling system commonly
used in attaching a tool 1 such as a hydraulic or pneumatic breaker to a machine mounting
body 30, which is connected via pins 31 to the distal end of the arm or stick 4 of
a work machine such as a hydraulic excavator. It should be understood that the elements
of the known system as described herein are common also to embodiments of the novel
assembly and tool mounting body, except for the points of difference which will become
evident from the further description below.
[0008] In the known system of Figs. 1 - 8 the tool 1 is mounted on a tool mounting body
10 so that when the tool mounting body is mounted in a mounted position on the machine
mounting body 30, the work machine can manipulate and apply force to the tool 1 and
can operate the tool 1 via electric, hydraulic or pneumatic power lines 2 which connect
the tool to the electric, hydraulic or pneumatic power and control systems of the
work machine.
[0009] The tool mounting body comprises two steel plates or side walls 11 arranged in parallel
spaced relation, each side wall 11 having a pivot recess 12, a reaction recess 13,
and a locking recess 14.
[0010] The locking recesses 14 are open on the inwardly facing sides of the two side walls
11 and covered on their outwardly facing sides by cover plates 15. Each locking recess
14 extends along a central axis X2. The opposed, upper and lower surfaces 16 of each
locking recess are arranged on either side of the axis X2 and converge (which is to
say, they approach one another although they may not meet) in the direction of the
axis X2 towards (which is to say, in a direction more towards than away from) the
reaction recess 13.
[0011] The machine mounting body 30 may be fabricated, forged or cast as a rigid steel part
with two side walls 32 arranged in parallel spaced relation to transfer large bending
moments and other forces from the work machine via the tool mounting body to the tool.
[0012] Each side wall 32 comprises a pair of first connectors 33, 34, which may be fixed
in relation to the machine mounting body 30, for example, as welded or integrally
forged parts. The first connectors of each pair will be referred to herein, respectively
as a pivot connector 33 and a reaction connector 34, reflecting their respective functions
as explained below. The reaction connectors 34 are aligned in collinear relation,
and similarly, the pivot connectors 33 are aligned in collinear relation to define
a pivot axis X1 of the machine mounting body.
[0013] The machine mounting body is also provided with a connector body 35 which has sidewardly
projecting, wedge shaped blocks 36 at its forward end and which is slidably extendable
and retractable from the machine mounting body between a release position and a lock
position, as shown respectively in Figs. 5 and 6 and Fig. 7.
[0014] In use, with the tool resting in a convenient position on the ground, the machine
mounting body is manipulated on the arm of the work machine to engage the pivot connectors
33 in the pivot recesses 12 as shown in Fig. 5, taking care to avoid damage to the
connector body 35 which remains in the extended, release position during this procedure.
The machine mounting body is then rotated relative to the tool mounting body about
the pivot axis X1 to engage the reaction connectors 34 in the respective reaction
recesses 13 so that the tool mounting body is located in its mounted, use position
on the machine mounting body as shown in Fig. 6.
[0015] The extended connector body 35 is then retracted to the lock position so that each
of the wedge shaped blocks 36 engages in the respective locking recess 14 to retain
the tool mounting body in the mounted position in fixed relation to the machine mounting
body, as shown in Fig. 7. Each block 36 may be arranged so that only one surface of
the block is engaged with the corresponding surface of the locking recess 14, the
contact surfaces of the block being symmetrically arranged on either side of a plane
of symmetry with the block being rotatable in a service procedure to transpose its
contact surfaces when the active surface becomes worn.
[0016] The machine mounting body will usually be connected to a distal end of the arm of
the work machine so that it somewhat extends the overall length of the arm, which
is further extended by the tool and tool mounting body in their use position, so that
the complete assembly occupies a part of the range of movement of the arm. In order
to maximise the range of movement which remains for manipulation of the tool, it is
desirable for the machine mounting body and tool mounting body to be as compact as
possible.
[0017] Typically, the connector body is operated by a hydraulic actuator arranged within
the machine mounting body, which has a stroke sufficient to move the connector body
between its release position and lock position, and a force sufficient to retain the
connector body in the lock position in normal operation of the tool, during which
large bending moments may be transferred between the tool and the work machine.
Summary
[0018] In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an
assembly for releasably coupling a tool to a work machine, as defined in the claims.
[0019] The tool is connected or connectable to a tool mounting body, which may be of generally
conventional form as described above. The assembly comprises a machine mounting body
which is connected or connectable to the work machine, at least one first connector,
and at least one second connector. Each of the first and second connectors is releasably
engageable with the tool mounting body so that the first and second connectors together
connect the tool mounting body in a mounted position in fixed relation to the machine
mounting body.
[0020] The second connector is movable relative to the machine mounting body between a release
position and a lock position. In the release position the second connector is configured
to release the tool mounting body to allow the tool mounting body to be dismounted
from the machine mounting body, while in the lock position the second connector is
configured to retain the tool mounting body in the mounted position in fixed relation
to the machine mounting body.
[0021] The second connector is reversibly movable in a first stage of movement in a first
direction from the release position to an engaged position, and in a second stage
of movement in a second, different direction from the engaged position to the lock
position.
[0022] Optionally, the second connector may be configured in the engaged position to retain
the tool mounting body to the machine mounting body.
[0023] In a second aspect, a method for releasably coupling a tool to a work machine comprises:
releasably engaging the at least one first connector with the tool mounting body to
connect the tool mounting body to the machine mounting body; and then reversibly moving
the second connector relative to the machine mounting body, in a first stage of movement
in a first direction from the release position to the engaged position, and then in
a second stage of movement in a second, different direction from the engaged position
to the lock position.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0024] Further features and advantages will become evident from the following illustrative
embodiment which will now be described, purely by way of example and without limitation
to the scope of the claims, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figs. 1 - 8 show a tool coupling system of a type known in the art, wherein:
Figs. 1 and 2 show the tool mounting body respectively in side and front view;
Figs. 3 and 4 show the machine mounting body respectively in side and front view;
Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are side views showing consecutive stages in the connection of the
tool mounting body to the machine mounting body; and
Fig. 8 is a front view of the assembly in the fully connected condition as shown in
Fig. 7; and
Figs. 9 - 19 show a tool coupling assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of
the disclosure, wherein:
Figs. 9, 10 and 11 show the tool coupling body respectively in side, front, and top
view;
Fig. 12 shows the machine mounting body in side view and mounted on a work machine,
with the carrier in the extended position;
Fig. 13 shows the machine mounting body in side view with the carrier in the retracted
position;
Fig. 14 is a top view of the machine mounting body with the carrier extended and the
second connectors in the release position;
Fig. 15 is a top view of the machine mounting body with the carrier extended and the
second connectors in the engaged position;
Fig. 16 is a top view of the machine mounting body with the carrier retracted to move
the second connectors from the engaged position to the lock position; and
Figs. 17, 18 and 19 are side views showing consecutive steps in the connection of
the tool mounting body to the machine mounting body.
[0025] Reference numerals and characters appearing in more than one of the figures indicate
the same or corresponding parts in each of them.
Detailed Description
[0026] Referring to Figs. 9 - 19, the tool coupling assembly of the first embodiment comprises
a tool mounting body 110 and a machine mounting body 130. Many of the features of
the tool mounting body and machine mounting body are similar to those of the known
system described above, and so will not be described again in detail. The machine
mounting body may thus be used to releasably couple a tool with a generally conventional
tool mounting body to the work machine 3.
[0027] Referring to Fig. 12, a work machine 3 comprises a steerable land vehicle with a
gross weight of at least 2 tonnes, mounted on wheels or tracks 7 and including at
least two arms 4, 5. The arms are pivotably connected together and movable in rotation
by hydraulic actuators 6. The machine mounting body 130 is connected to a distal end
of a respective one of the arms, either in fixed relation to the arm or, as shown,
for pivotable motion relative to the arm. The work machine 3 is configured to operate
a tool 1 connected to the tool mounting body 110, for example, a hydraulic or pneumatic
breaker as shown in Fig. 9, when the machine mounting body 130 is connected to the
work machine 3 and the tool mounting body 110 is connected in the mounted position
in fixed relation to the machine mounting body 130, with the power and control lines
2 from the tool being connected to the machine as previously described. In the mounted
position of the tool mounting body, the machine mounting body may be configured to
transmit a bending moment of not less than 5kNm between the tool and the machine.
[0028] By way of example, the work machine may have a gross weight in excess of 5 tonnes,
10 tonnes, or 20 tonnes, up to as much as 100 tonnes or more, and the machine mounting
body may be configured to transmit a bending moment in excess of 10kNm, 20kNm, or
100kNm, up to as much as 500kNm or more.
[0029] In order to transmit substantial forces between the tool and the machine, the machine
mounting body 130 may be made as a heavy forging or casting or otherwise as a heavy
steel fabrication, with two pairs of fixed, first connectors 33, 34 extending from
its side walls, each pair comprising a pivot connector 33 and a reaction connector
34 as previously described, the pivot connectors being arranged in axial alignment
to define a pivot axis X1. The pivot connectors are engaged in the pivot recesses
12 of the tool mounting body as shown in Fig. 17 before pivoting the machine mounting
body about the pivot axis X1 to engage each reaction connector 34 in the respective
reaction recess 13 of the tool mounting body as shown in Fig. 18, as described above
with reference to the known system.
[0030] Unlike the known system, a carrier 40 is mounted at the forward end of the machine
mounting body. The carrier 40 may be a heavy steel fabrication, forging or casting
and defines two housings 41 in each of which is received a respective one of a pair
of second connectors 50.
[0031] Each second connector 50 may comprise at least one contact surface oblique to the
second direction D2, the contact surface being arranged to engage a corresponding
surface of the tool mounting body in use. In the illustrated embodiment each second
connector 50 terminates in a wedge shaped block 36 with a pair of oblique contact
surfaces 37, similar to those of the known system. It will be noted that in the mounted
position the direction D2 is aligned with the axis X2 of the locking recess 14, so
that as the second connector 50 moves to the lock position one or both of the surfaces
37 engage the corresponding surface or surfaces 16 of a respective one of the locking
recesses 14 of the tool mounting body 110 as previously described.
[0032] The second connectors are mounted on the carrier for reversible movement relative
to the carrier in a first direction D1, while the carrier is mounted on the machine
mounting body 130 for reversible movement relative to the machine mounting body in
a second direction D2 different from the first direction, optionally substantially
normal the first direction as illustrated. In this way the second connectors are movable
in a first stage of movement in the first direction D1 from a release position to
an engaged position, and then in a second stage of movement in the second, different
direction D2 from the engaged position to a lock position, as will now be described.
[0033] The carrier 40 is guided to slide with a single degree of freedom through a short
stroke in the second direction D2, as shown by the arrow as shown in Fig. 17, between
the extended position of Fig. 12 and the retracted position of Fig. 13 against the
restoring force of springs 42 which urge the carrier to the extended position. As
the carrier moves in the second direction, the second connectors move with it.
[0034] The second connectors 50 are connected by a crank arrangement 52 so that they are
movable together by sliding translation with a single degree of freedom in the first
direction D1, relative to the carrier. The second connectors can thus be extended
together from the carrier 40 from the release position to the engaged position as
shown in Fig. 15, and retracted together to the carrier from the engaged position
to the release position, as shown in Fig. 14. In the retracted, release position the
carrier protects the second connectors from damage.
[0035] The movement of the second connectors 50 relative to the carrier, and of the carrier
40 relative to the machine mounting body 130, may be accomplished by an actuator 60
which has a linear stroke and which is reversibly operable through a first portion
of its stroke to urge each of the second connectors 50 in the first direction D1 from
the release position (Fig. 14) to the engaged position (Fig. 15). By continuing to
operate the actuator through a second portion of its stroke, it urges the carrier
40 in the second direction D2 to move the second connectors 50 relative to the machine
mounting body from the engaged position (Fig. 15) to the lock position (Fig. 16).
[0036] Referring particularly to Fig. 16, it can be seen that the actuator 60 comprises
a hydraulic cylinder 61 which is mounted in trunnions 62 between the first ends of
a pair of first cranked arms 63 (only one of which can be seen). Each first arm is
pivoted at 64 on the carrier 40 and pivotably connected at its second end to a first
end of a second arm 65, which is pivotably mounted 66 at its second end to the machine
mounting body 130.
[0037] The piston 67 is connected to a bar 51 which extends through a recess in the carrier
from the inward end of one of the second connectors 50. The first portion of the stroke
moves the bar, hence the second connectors from the release position to the engaged
position. When the second connectors reach the engaged position, the end of the piston
meets an abutment 43 which forms a fixed part of the carrier (Fig. 15).
[0038] Further movement of the piston is then accommodated by rotation of the arms 63, 65
which causes pivot point 64 to approach pivot point 66, pulling the carrier 40 in
the second direction D2 against the restoring force of the springs 42.
[0039] When the tool mounting body is received in the mounted position on the machine mounting
body as shown in Fig. 18, with the second connectors 50 in the release position as
shown in Fig. 14, the second connectors 50 are configured to release the tool mounting
body 110 to allow the tool mounting body to be dismounted from the machine mounting
body 130 by rotation in the mounting/dismounting direction D3.
[0040] It will be noted that in the mounted position, the tool mounting body 110 is constrained
against movement relative to the machine mounting body 130, other than in the rotational
direction D3 about the pivot axis X1 to release the reaction connectors 34 from the
reaction recesses 13. With the second connectors in the release position, the tool
mounting body can therefore be dismounted only by relative movement in the direction
D3, which is substantially normal to the first direction D1 and the second direction
D2.
[0041] In the mounted position of the tool mounting body, the movement of the second connectors
50 in the first direction D1 from the retracted, release position of Fig. 14 to the
extended, engaged position of Fig. 15 loosely engages the wedge shaped blocks 36 in
the locking recesses 14. In this configuration, the assembly may be configured to
retain the tool mounting body to the machine mounting body, so that although the tool
mounting body may be movable relative to the machine mounting body, it cannot be detached.
[0042] From this engaged position, only a short movement of the carrier 40 in the second
direction D2 is required to move the second connectors 50 to the lock position to
retain the tool mounting body in the mounted position in fixed relation to the machine
mounting body, as shown in Fig. 19. The movement in the second direction from the
position of Fig. 15 to the position of Fig. 16 engages one or both of the oblique
contact surfaces of the blocks 36 with one or both of the upper and lower surfaces
16 of the locking recesses 14 so as to lock the tool mounting body tightly in rigid,
fixed relation to the machine mounting body to transfer bending moments and other
forces between them. For example, each block 36 may be arranged so that only the upper
one of its two oblique contact surfaces engages the corresponding upper surface 16
of the respective locking recess. The oblique contact surfaces of the block may be
arranged on either side of a plane of symmetry which bisects the block, with the block
being arranged as known in the art so that it can be rotated in a service procedure
so as to transpose the two oblique contact surfaces when the upper one becomes worn.
[0043] As in the known system previously described, when the second connector reaches the
lock position it clamps a portion 111 of the tool mounting body 110 between the second
connector 50 and the respective reaction connector 34 as shown in Fig. 19 to lock
the tool mounting body to the machine mounting body in the mounted position. In this
position the first and second connectors 33, 34, 50 together connect the tool mounting
body 110 in fixed relation to the machine mounting body 130.
[0044] In summary, a tool is coupled to a work machine by an assembly comprising a tool
mounting body connected to the tool and a machine mounting body connected to the work
machine. The machine mounting body comprises one or more first connectors which releasably
engage the tool mounting body in a mounted position relative to the machine mounting
body, and one or more second connectors. Each second connector is movable relative
to the machine mounting body in a first stage of movement in a first direction D1
from a release position to an engaged position, in which the tool mounting body may
be retained in the mounted position on the machine mounting body, and then in a second
stage of movement in a second, different direction D2 from the engaged position to
a lock position in which the tool mounting body is locked in the mounted position
in fixed relation to the machine mounting body to transfer forces between the work
machine and the tool.
Industrial applicability
[0045] The novel assembly may be employed to couple a tool having a generally conventional
tool mounting body to a work machine. By arranging the second connector to move in
different directions in first and second stages of movement, it is possible to provide
an effective locking action as the second connector moves through the second stage
from the engaged position to the lock position, optionally in the conventional direction
towards a reaction connector, while better protecting it from damage when in the release
position.
[0046] Advantageously, the second connector may be retractable into a carrier in the release
position so that it can be extended only after the machine mounting body has engaged
the tool mounting body in the mounted position of the tool mounting body. This protects
the second connector from damage throughout the mounting and dismounting procedure.
[0047] The engaged position may be selected to require only a small movement in the second
direction to fully engage the second connector in the lock position. For example,
where the second connector comprises an oblique contact surface, the overall length
of the stroke required to move the second connector from the engaged position to the
lock position may be much shorter than would be required to move the oblique contact
surface between the lock position and an extended, release position as known in the
art.
[0048] This relatively shorter movement may be accomplished using a more compact actuator
assembly and hence a more compact machine mounting body. The movement in the first
direction, which is not required to exert a clamping pressure on the machine mounting
body, may be longer but may be accomplished with lower force and so, again, with a
more compact actuator assembly. The actuator assembly may be arranged to accomplish
both movements in a single stroke of an actuator which is suitably articulated, optionally
to provide mechanical advantage for the second stage.
[0049] The first and second connectors may be arranged so that in the engaged position the
second connector retains the tool mounting body to the machine mounting body. In this
case the tool will be retained to the machine (e.g. with some freedom of movement,
hence not in fixed relation) even if the force applied in the second direction to
hold the tool mounting body in fixed relation to the machine mounting body should
be relaxed. This ensures that even if for example hydraulic pressure is lost, the
tool cannot inadvertently detach unless the first stage of movement is also reversed
to return the second connector to the release position.
[0050] Advantageously, when the second connector is in the release position, the tool mounting
body may be movable relative to the machine mounting body in a direction substantially
normal to the first direction, optionally also substantially normal to the second
direction, to dismount the tool mounting body from the machine mounting body. This
helps to ensure that the second connector is not urged from the engaged position to
the release position, optionally also from the lock position to the engaged position,
by forces applied by the tool.
[0051] In alternative embodiments, the first connectors need not be formed as pins, but
could have any shape defining one or more surfaces to engage corresponding parts of
the tool mounting body. One or more of the first connectors may be active rather than
passive, so that it is movable relative to the machine mounting body to engage and
disengage the tool mounting body.
[0052] In further alternative embodiments, the second connectors could be movable in different,
first and second directions, for example, by suitable guiding or articulation arrangements,
without being mounted on a carrier.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiments, each of the first and second connectors comprises
a pair of like connectors arranged on either side of the central plane of symmetry
of the machine mounting body. This helps to react forces, particularly bending moments
between the two mounting bodies, irrespective of the direction of the force. In alternative
embodiments however it is conceivable that only one first connector (e.g. one pivot
connector and/or one reaction connector) and/or one second connector might be provided
and arranged to act, for example at a central plane of symmetry of the assembly, with
forces out of the plane being reacted via further abutting surfaces of the respective
mounting bodies.
[0054] The tool may comprise for example a pneumatic or hydraulic breaker as illustrated
for example in Figs. 1 and 2 and Fig. 9, a grab, a bucket, a concrete crusher, a compactor,
or any other tool which is operable by the work machine. Typically, the tool will
comprise an actuator or drive means which is coupled (e.g. via fluid or electrical
power lines as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and Fig. 9) to the power and control systems
of the work machine, but it could also be a passive tool in the sense that in its
mounted position it forms a fixed appendage to the arm or stick of the work machine,
for example, as a bucket without moving parts for use in digging or shifting loose
material.
[0055] Many further adaptations are possible within the scope of the claims.
[0056] In the claims, reference numerals and characters in parentheses are provided purely
for ease of reference and are not to be construed as limiting features.
1. An assembly for releasably coupling a tool (1) to a work machine (3), the tool being
connected or connectable to a tool mounting body (110), the assembly including:
a machine mounting body (130) connected or connectable to the work machine,
at least one first connector (33, 34), and
at least one second connector (50);
each of the first and second connectors being releasably engageable with the tool
mounting body (110) so that the first (33, 34) and second (50) connectors together
connect the tool mounting body in a mounted position in fixed relation to the machine
mounting body;
the second connector (50) being movable relative to the machine mounting body between
a release position and a lock position, wherein
in the release position the second connector (50) is configured to release the tool
mounting body (110) to allow the tool mounting body to be dismounted from the machine
mounting body (130), and
in the lock position the second connector (50) is configured to retain the tool mounting
body (110) in the mounted position in fixed relation to the machine mounting body
(130);
wherein the second connector is reversibly movable:
in a first stage of movement in a first direction (D1) from the release position to
an engaged position, and
in a second stage of movement in a second, different direction (D2) from the engaged
position to the lock position.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second connector (50) is configured
in the engaged position to retain the tool mounting body (110) to the machine mounting
body (130).
3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein in the release position of the second connector
(50) the tool mounting body (110) is movable relative to the machine mounting body
(130) in a direction (D3) substantially normal to the first direction to dismount
the tool mounting body (110) from the machine mounting body (130).
4. An assembly according to claim 1, further including a carrier (40);
the second connector (50) being mounted on the carrier (40) for reversible movement
relative to the carrier in the first direction (D1);
the carrier (40) being mounted on the machine mounting body (130) for reversible movement
relative to the machine mounting body (130) in the second direction (D2).
5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second connector (50) is extendable
from the carrier (40) from the release position to the engaged position and retractable
to the carrier (40) from the engaged position to the release position.
6. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the assembly further comprises an actuator
(60), the actuator (60) having a linear stroke and being reversibly operable:
through a first portion of its stroke to urge the second connector (50) in the first
direction (D1) from the release position to the engaged position, and
through a second portion of its stroke to urge the carrier (40) in the second direction
(D2) to move the second connector (50) from the engaged position to the lock position.
7. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second connector (50) comprises at least
one contact surface (37) oblique to the second direction (D2), the contact surface
arranged to engage a corresponding surface (16) of the tool mounting body (110) in
use.
8. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector comprises
at least one pivot connector (33) and at least one reaction connector (34);
the pivot connector (33) defining a pivot axis (X1) and being engageable with the
tool mounting body (110);
the machine mounting body (130) being pivotable about the pivot axis (X1) when the
pivot connector (33) is engaged with the tool mounting body (110) to engage the reaction
connector (34) with the tool mounting body (110);
the second connector (50) being configured in the lock position to clamp a portion
(111) of the tool mounting body (110) between the second connector (50) and the reaction
connector (34).
9. An assembly according to claim 1 and further including said tool mounting body (110)
and a tool (1), the tool being connected to the tool mounting body and operable by
a work machine (3) when the machine mounting body (130) is connected to the work machine
and the tool mounting body (110) is connected in the mounted position in fixed relation
to the machine mounting body (130).
10. A work machine (3), the work machine being a steerable land vehicle with a gross weight
of at least 2 tonnes, mounted on wheels or tracks (7) and including at least two arms
(4, 5), the arms pivotably connected together and movable in rotation by hydraulic
actuators (6), and an assembly according to claim 1, the machine mounting body (130)
being connected to a distal end of a respective one of the arms (4), the work machine
being configured to operate a tool (1) connected to a tool mounting body (110) when
the tool mounting body is connected in the mounted position in fixed relation to the
machine mounting body (130).
11. A method for releasably coupling a tool (1) to a work machine (3), the tool being
connected to a tool mounting body (110), the method comprising:
providing an assembly including:
a machine mounting body (130) connected to the work machine,
at least one first connector (33, 34), and
at least one second connector (50),
each of the first and second connectors being releasably engageable with the tool
mounting body (110) so that the first (33, 34) and second (50) connectors together
connect the tool mounting body in a mounted position in fixed relation to the machine
mounting body;
releasably engaging the at least one first connector (33, 34) with the tool mounting
body to connect the tool mounting body to the machine mounting body; and then reversibly
moving the second connector (50) relative to the machine mounting body:
in a first stage of movement in a first direction (D1) from a release position to
an engaged position, and then
in a second stage of movement in a second, different direction (D2) from the engaged
position to a lock position,
wherein
in the release position the second connector (50) is configured to release the tool
mounting body (110) to allow the tool mounting body to be dismounted from the machine
mounting body (130), and
in the lock position the second connector (50) is configured to retain the tool mounting
body (110) in the mounted position in fixed relation to the machine mounting body
(130).