US 12,227,916 B2
Quick coupler automatic locking mechanism and method
Mark W. Thompson, Manhattan, KS (US); and Trent R. Stefek, Wamego, KS (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Nov. 23, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/533,731.
Prior Publication US 2023/0160172 A1, May 25, 2023
Int. Cl. E02F 3/36 (2006.01); F16B 2/06 (2006.01)
CPC E02F 3/3622 (2013.01) [E02F 3/3663 (2013.01); F16B 2/06 (2013.01); F16B 2200/89 (2023.08); Y10T 29/49826 (2015.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of coupling a work tool to a quick coupler comprising the steps of:
activating an AUTOMATIC LOCKING state of the coupler;
maneuvering the coupler to automatically lock a second tool pin of the work tool within a hook of the coupler without actuation of a cylinder of the coupler, such that;
the second tool pin forces a secondary blocking member to move from a locked position to an unlocked position;
the second tool pin enters the hook; and
the secondary blocking member returns to the locked position;
the first tool pin entering a notch of the coupler; and
activating a LOCKED state of the coupler.