Joints and connections – Structurally installed in diverse art device
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-15
2001-10-16
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Structurally installed in diverse art device
C403S109100, C403S109300, C414S723000, C037S468000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302611
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a connecting piece which can be pivotally connected both to the jib of an excavator and to a setting cylinder connected to a jib, and which is intended for linking up a tool, such as an excavator bucket, for example, to the end of the jib, wherein a connecting wedge is connected to the connecting piece, in which two pins extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the wedge and being guided in the connecting piece are mounted, whilst an adjusting element is connected to the connecting piece, by means of which the connecting wedge can be moved a specific distance with respect to the connecting piece in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of said pins.
A connecting piece of this kind is known from European patent No. 0 521 560. In this prior art construction, a hydraulic setting cylinder is connected to the connecting piece for moving the connecting wedge. This prior art construction is satisfactory per se, but in some cases it is desirable to have a connecting piece wherein the connecting wedge can be adjusted by mechanical means, for example when the connecting piece is used in a crane or the like which does not comprise means by which the hydraulic setting cylinder can be actuated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, the connecting piece comprises a screw spindle, which is rotatable about is central axis and which is journalled in the connecting wedge in such manner as to be incapable of movement in its longitudinal direction and which is screwed into a nut-shaped member connected to the connecting piece, which nut-shaped member can spring in the longitudinal direction of the screw spindle with respect to the connecting piece.
In this manner a connecting piece can be realised by means of which the connecting wedge can be locked in position, using the screw spindle, whilst an adequate clamping down of the connecting wedge will be maintained also after prolonged use, due to the fact that the nut-shaped member is spring-mounted.
The various parts, such as the connecting wedge and the like, will remain connected to the connecting piece when the connecting piece is disconnected from the tool, so that there will be no danger of parts being lost.
Another advantage of the construction according to the invention is the fact that the same connecting piece can be used both for the construction comprising a hydraulic setting cylinder as disclosed in European patent No. 0 521 560 and for the construction comprising the screw spindle. This is advantageous not only from a manufacturing point of view, but it also enables the user to change the construction of the connecting piece in a simple manner, if desired.
In order to be able to clamp down the connecting wedge quickly by means of the screw spindle, the screw spindle will preferably be formed with screw thread of relatively large pitch. This may lead to the screw spindle working loose, however, in particular when the tool that is linked to the jib of the excavator is a vibrator. In order to prevent this, a locking member is fitted, by means of which the screw spindle can be locked against rotation. Preferably, said locking member is mounted on the connecting wedge, so that the locking member will be readily accessible.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4067467 (1978-01-01), Datta et al.
patent: 5179794 (1993-01-01), Ballinger
patent: 5494396 (1996-02-01), Geier et al.
patent: 5890871 (1999-04-01), Woerman
patent: 521560 (1993-01-01), None
De Gier Gertrudis M. G.
van Doornmalen Adrianus M. C. M.
Browne Lynne H.
Dunwoody Aaron M.
Metaalwarenfabriek A.P. Verachtert B.V.
Oblon & Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt P.C.
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