Subject of the Invention and Technical Field

The invention relates to a three-faceted locking mechanism used in automatic attachment replacement apparatuses, which allows automatic pin locking and hydraulic valve connections. The three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention, is characterized in that including hydraulic mechanism body and co-ordinately moving pin locking mechanism and valve locking mechanism positioned within the said mechanism body.

State of the Art

Today, in order to attach and remove different types of attachments on the arm of a construction machine, attachment replacement apparatus consisting of two main parts, which are a bottom bracket attached to the attachment and an upper bracket attached to the arm of the construction machine, are generally used. The mentioned attachment replacement apparatuses basically have two functions; they have the function of attaching and removing an attachment on the arm of the construction machines and the function of transferring the hydraulic fluid coming from the arm of the construction machines to the attachments. In the state of the art, it is seen that various innovations have been made for the fast and safe replacement of attachments in general. From the past to the present, basically; systems in which pin locking and hydraulic connections are performed manually, systems where pin locking is performed automatically or semi-automatically but hydraulic connections are made manually, and systems where both pin locking and hydraulic connections are performed automatically have been developed. Each developed system has eliminated a glitch in the prior art; however, this situation has also led to the emergence of new problems that did not exist in the prior art or were not considered as a problem. The three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention, is mostly related to systems where both pin locking and hydraulic connections are performed automatically.

In the state of the art, automatic pin-locking and hydraulic connections allowed quick replacement of attachments (compared to manual, semi-automatic systems); however, this situation also brought some problems in practice. The most important of the mentioned problems is the situation where pin locking cannot be done completely due to reasons such as the lack of centering between the upper bracket and the bottom bracket. In the aforementioned situation, attempting to lift the attachment with the machine both damages the hydraulic valve connections and causes occupational safety problems such as falling of the attachment. Due to the aforementioned problems, it has emerged as a necessity to determine whether the hydraulic connections with pin locking are fully made. In the state of the art, systems that can make pin locking and hydraulic hose connection with the help of one-faceted hydraulic piston have been developed. In the aforementioned systems, pin and valve locking movements are performed at the same time with one-faceted pistons or first valve locking and then following the system control with the help of sensors, pin locking action with the piston is performed. It is seen that the locking method of hydraulic oil transmission valves is adopted as a priority in each design. Since valves are very sensitive products, when centering is a problem, it causes oil leakage, which prevents the attachment from working.

In the state of the art, sensors have been added to the systems to solve the hydraulic connection (valve connections) problems and centering problems experienced in the locking systems used in automatic attachment replacement apparatuses. The aforementioned sensors; It is seen that the locking pins are equipped with optical or acoustic elements that will notify the operator of the presence of centering problems that will cause damage to the hydraulic connections. Since valve locking is the priority in all designs with or without sensors, the most quickly damaged parts are experienced in the valves, which are the most important and expensive parts. The sensors may deteriorate over time due to the heavy conditions of the working area, and the connection cables may break due to the debris falling on the work machine. In field conditions, it is difficult to supply these connection cables or sensors in mines and quarries, causing the field work to be stopped for hours.

In the state of the art, the patent document numbered W02014058380A1 mentions sensors arranged to verify that the locking mechanism of the automatic attachment replacement apparatus is in a correct locking position. The invention is more focused on the features of the sensor(s).

In the state of the art, the patent document no. EP3763882A1 relates to a quick attachment replacement apparatus developed to automatically change an attachment and a method that allows the locking mechanism of the said apparatus to be monitored. The invention has at least one locking element and a display device for monitoring deployed on the support. The mechanism is controlled by means of optical and acoustic sensors, but in cases such as sensor failures, the system fails.

In the state of the art, in the patent document numbered CN112235439 A, the attachment replacement apparatus is related to a safe locking mechanism developed to prevent falls that may occur in case of hydraulic fluid leakage. Said apparatus comprises a quick-change mechanical locking device for a normally closed excavator comprising two symmetrically structured side plate pieces and a locking control piece structured between them.

As can be seen in the patent documents mentioned above, sensors have been added to the systems to solve the hydraulic connection (valve connections) problems and centering problems experienced in the locking systems used in automatic attachment replacement apparatuses. The aforementioned sensors are seen to be equipped with optical or acoustic elements that will notify the operator if the locking pins snap into the slot and there are centering problems that will cause damage to the hydraulic connections. Since valve locking is the priority in all designs with or without sensors, the most quickly damaged parts are experienced in the valves, which are the most important and most expensive parts. The sensors may deteriorate over time due to the heavy conditions of the working area, and the connection cables may break due to the debris falling on the work machine. In field conditions, it is difficult to supply these connection cables or sensors in mines and quarries, causing the field work to be stopped for hours.

The invention aims at a three-faceted locking mechanism, which is used in automatic attachment replacement apparatuses and allows pin locking and hydraulic valve connections to be performed automatically without the need for sensors. In accordance with the aforementioned purpose, a three-faceted locking mechanism including the hydraulic mechanism body and the co-ordinately moving pin locking mechanism and the valve locking mechanism positioned within the said mechanism body is targeted.

Technical Problems That the Invention Aims to Solve

The invention aims at a three-faceted locking mechanism, which is used in automatic attachment replacement apparatuses and allows pin locking and hydraulic valve connections to be performed automatically without the need for sensors. In accordance with the aforementioned purpose, a three-faceted locking mechanism including the hydraulic mechanism body and the co-ordinately moving pin locking mechanism and the valve locking mechanism positioned within the said mechanism body is targeted.

An advantage of the three-faceted locking mechanism of the invention is that, in the state of the art, it has eliminated the need for sensors, which are needed due to valve connection problems and centering problems in locking systems and used to verify whether the system is working properly. The need for the use of inventive sensors is eliminated by means of the working mechanism in a way of locking the pins first and then locking the valves with their movement in case of installation and in case of removal, removing valves first and then the pins. If any of the coordinated pins in the aforementioned three-faceted locking mechanism, which move in a linear and opposite direction with respect to each other, encounter an obstacle and stop, the other will also stop. Thus, the pins will either be fully inserted or not inserted at all. In case the pins are inserted, centering will be ensured and the valves will be moved to ensure that they are locked. In any case where the pins are not inserted, the valve mechanism will not act and a setting where the valves can be damaged will not be created. Another advantage of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention, is that it will prevent work interruptions due to sensor failures, as it eliminates the need for sensors. Figures will be used to better understand the three- faceted locking mechanism of the invention.

Explanation of Figures

Figure- 1: The perspective view of the top bracket and bottom bracket parts of the automatic attachment replacement apparatus, in which the three-faceted locking mechanism is positioned, on an attachment.

Figure- 2: The perspective view of the automatic attachment replacement apparatus, in which the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention, is located, in which the upper bracket and bottom bracket parts are given separately.

Figure- 3: The exploded view of the upper bracket part, where the three-faceted locking mechanism is located, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure- 4: The front section perspective view of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure-5: The rear section perspective view of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure- 6: The top projection view of the upper bracket part where the three-faceted locking mechanism is positioned, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure- 7: The enlarged top projection view of the section marked with the letter G in Figure-6 of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure- 8: The side full section view of the upper bracket part, in which the three- faceted locking mechanism, the subject of the invention, is positioned with.

Figure- 9: The front full section view of the upper bracket part, in which the three- faceted locking mechanism, the subject of the invention, is positioned with.

Figure- 10: The rear projection view of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure- 11 : The side full section view of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure 12: The side full section view of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention, without the valve piston being shown. Figure- 13: The front full section view of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure- 14: The front full section view of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention, without locking pistons and other devices.

Figure- 15: Exploded picture of the three-faceted locking mechanism, which is the subject of the invention.

Section, Part and Reference Numbers to Help Explain the Invention

1- Three-faceted locking mechanism

2 -Hydraulic mechanism body

3 -Cylindrical cavity

3a- Middle chamber

3b- Side chamber

4-Valve chamber

5 -Locking piston

5a- Locking piston cap

5b- Deviation slot

6-Locking pin

6a- Locking bushing

7- Valve piston

7a- Valve piston cap

8- Double-sided screw shaft

9-Guide screws

10-Locking channels

11- Locking channel inlet

I la- Locking channel outlet

12- Valve channels

12a- Valve channel inlet

12b- Valve channel outlet

13- Opening nipple

14- Closing nipple

15- Locking bolt

16- Female hydraulic valves

17- Male hydraulic valves

18-Blind plugs

19- Wedge

20- Keyway

21 -Upper bracket

22- Bottom bracket

23- Automatic attachment replacement apparatus

24- Attachment 25-Connection slots z- Deviation distance

Process Flow Chart to Help to Explain the Invention

100- Performing the pin locking process

110- Performing the hydraulic valve locking process

120- Ending the hydraulic valve locking process

130- Ending the pin locking process

Explanation of the Invention

With the invention, it is aimed to have a three-faceted locking mechanism (1) with the technical feature that will allow the pin locking and hydraulic valve connections in the automatic attachment replacement apparatus (23), which basically consists of an upper bracket (21) and a bottom bracket (22), to be performed without the need for sensors. In order to achieve the mentioned goal, a method and a three- faceted locking mechanism (1) that includes elements that have the function of realizing this method are aimed.

Although the three-faceted locking mechanism (1), which is the subject of the invention, is explained through automatic attachment replacement apparatuses (23) that allow attachments to be attached and removed from work machines, this should not be restrictive, the invention should be considered in the broadest sense.

Pictures will be used to explain the three-faceted locking mechanism (1) of the invention in more detail; however, the pictures used should not be binding as there may be changes in picture constructions, dimensions or device details.

While Figure- 1 shows an attachment (24) and the automatic attachment replacement apparatus (23) on which the upper bracket (21) and bottom bracket (22) parts are seen separately, in figure-2 the automatic attachment replacement apparatus (23) is shown separately from the attachment (24). Three-faceted locking mechanism (1) and female hydraulic valves (16) are given in Figure-3 as an exploded picture. In Figure-4, the front section perspective view of the three-faceted locking mechanism (1) is given, while the rear section perspective view of the three- faceted locking mechanism (1) mentioned in Figure-5 is given. In Figure 6, the top projection view of the upper bracket (21), in which it is positioned with a three- faceted locking mechanism (1), is given. In Figure-8, a cross-sectional view of the upper bracket (21) with the three-faceted locking mechanism (1) is given, while in Figure-9, a full front section view of the mentioned device is given. The part of the three-faceted locking mechanism (1) where the valve piston (7) is positioned is defined as the rear side, and the part where it is mounted on the upper bracket (21) piece is defined as the front side. A rear projection view of the three-faceted locking mechanism (1) is given in Figure 10. In Figure 11, the side projection of the three- faceted locking mechanism (1) is given in full cross-section, while in Figure 12, the valve piston (7) is lifted in the figure mentioned. While the cross-section of the valve chamber (4) is seen in the aforementioned figure, the cross-section of the cylinder cavity is seen in the upper part. In Figure 13, the front projection full crosssection view of the three-faceted locking mechanism (1) is given. In the cylindrical cavity (3) part of the mentioned figure, the pin locking mechanism, especially the double-sided screw shaft (8) and locking pistons (5), can be seen. The removed version of the mechanisms shown in Figure-13 is given in Figure-14. Figure 14 shows the hydraulic mechanism body (2), the cylindrical cavity (3) inside, the middle chamber (3a) and the side chambers (3b) inside the cylindrical cavity (3). Figure-15 shows an exploded picture of the three-faceted locking mechanism (1).

The three-faceted locking mechanism (1), which is the subject of the invention, includes basically a hydraulic mechanism body (2), a cylindrical cavity (3) positioned in the same axis and different direction for a cavity on the said hydraulic mechanism body (2), valve chamber (4) positioned perpendicular to the said cylindrical cavity (3) and on the said hydraulic mechanism body (2), at least one double-sided screw shaft (8) positioned in the said cylindrical cavity (3), at least two screw shafts on both sides of the said double-sided screw shaft (8) connected by a non-rigid connection locking piston (5) with at least one valve piston (7) positioned in said valve chamber (4) and at least two valve channels (12) that allow hydraulic fluid inlet-outlet between said cylindrical cavity (3) and said valve chamber (4) and at least two locking channels (10). The three-faceted locking mechanism (1), which is the subject of the invention, includes a hydraulic mechanism body (2). Inside the said hydraulic mechanism body (2), there are two configurations, a cylindrical cavity (3) and a valve chamber (4) that do not form a contact surface with each other. Basically, locking pistons (5) moving in linear and opposite directions and a double-sided screw shaft (8) and guide screws (9) are positioned in the cylindrical cavity (3), which allows the said movement to be coordinated. In the valve chamber (4), there is the valve piston (7). Hydraulic mechanism body (2) includes locking channels (10) and valve channels (12) that allow hydraulic fluid circulation between the cylindrical cavity (3) and the valve chamber (4). Said hydraulic mechanism body (2) includes at least one opening nipple (13) in connection with the cylindrical cavity (3), which allows the entrance and exit of the hydraulic fluid to the system, and at least one closing nipple (14) in connection with the valve chamber (4).

The hydraulic mechanism body (2) preferably has a cylindrical cavity (3) extending linearly from one end to the other between its two side surfaces, which are on opposite short sides. On one of the opposite surfaces on the long sides of the said mechanism, a valve chamber (4) is positioned, preferably extending linearly past the center line of the mechanism. A three-faceted structure is obtained by positioning the valve chamber (4) perpendicular to the cylindrical cavity (3). While the cylindrical cavity (3) in the hydraulic mechanism body (2) and the hydraulic fluid inlet-outlet to the valve chamber (4) are provided by the opening nipple (13) and the closing nipple (14); the circulation of the hydraulic fluid between the said cylindrical cavity (3) and the valve chamber (4) is carried out by means of locking channels (10) and valve channels (12). Cylindrical cavity (3) includes at least two locking pistons (5) moving in linear and opposite directions and a double-sided screw shaft (8) and guide screws (9) that allow said pistons to move in coordination. Said locking pistons (5) can be connected to locking pins (6) preferably by means of locking bolts (15) or they can also be connected with different fixing elements such as screws. It allows the locking pins (6) to move in a coordinated manner in the opening and closing directions. The opening direction refers to the movement of the locking pistons (5) to move away from each other, and the closing direction refers to the movement of the said pistons towards each other.

Hydraulic mechanism body (2) comprises at least one valve channel (12) positioned in the valve chamber (4) and allowing the valve piston (7) to move in the opening direction, and at least one closing nipple (14) which allows said valve piston (7) to move in the closing direction. The valve piston (7) moving the female hydraulic valves (16) towards the male hydraulic valves (17) in order to perform the valve locking refers to the opening direction, the said valve piston (7) moving to separate the male hydraulic valves (17) and the female hydraulic valves (16) in the locked position from each other and then to move away from each other represents the closing direction.

The cylindrical cavity (3) in the hydraulic mechanism body (2) is preferably in a three-chambered structure. The mentioned three-chamber structure consists of a middle chamber (3a), where the hydraulic fluid is supplied by means of the opening nipple (13), preferably between the two locking pistons (5), and two side chambers (3b) positioned between the locking piston caps (5a) and the locking pistons (5). The middle chamber (3a), in which the double-sided screw shaft (8) is positioned, has a smaller size and preferably a cylindrical structure compared to the side chambers (3b). Side chambers (3b) represents the cylindrical cavity (3) in which the locking pistons (5) move in the opening-closing direction and between the middle chamber (3a) and the locking piston caps (5a). When the locking pistons (5) move away from each other linearly and reach the full opening position, the middle chamber (3a) and the side chambers (3b) merge. When the locking pistons (5) approach each other linearly and become fully closed, the locking pistons (5) are positioned between the middle chamber (3a) and the side chambers (3b). Side chambers (3b) preferably have four connection holes, at least two locking channel inlets (11) and at least two valve channel inlets (12a). In the position where the locking pistons (5) are fully opened, the valve channel inlets (12a) in connection with the valve channels (12) are positioned open and the locking channel inlets (11) in connection with the locking channels (10) are positioned to be closed by the piston. The locking pistons (5) are positioned in such a way that the locking channel inlets (11) that are in contact with the locking channels (10) are open in the position when they come to the fully closed position, and the valve channel inlets (12a) that are in connection with the valve channels (12) are closed by the locking pistons (5). The valve chamber (4) in the said hydraulic mechanism body (2) shows a cylindrical structure with one side open and one side closed when the valve piston (7) is not positioned. In the case where the valve piston (7) is positioned, the valve chamber (4) shows a chamber structure closed on both sides, one side of which is closed by the valve piston cap (7a). There are at least two locking channel outlets (I la) and at least two valve channel outlets (12b) in the valve chamber (4). The valve piston (7) moves in the opening direction and is positioned in such a way that the locking channel outlets (1 la) in the valve chamber (4) are closed by the valve piston (7) in the position where the ring stands until the end (in this position, the ring end is the limit of the valve piston cap (7a)).

The valve channel outlets (12b), which are in contact with the valve channels (12) in the said position, are positioned to be in the open position. When the valve piston (7) moves in the closing direction and comes to the fully closed position, the locking channel outlets (I la) in connection with the locking channels (10) are positioned open, and the valve channel outlets (12b) in connection with the valve channel (12) are positioned in the closed position.

In the middle chamber (3a) of the cylindrical cavity (3) located in the hydraulic mechanism body (2), the double-sided screw shaft (8) is positioned, which allows the locking pistons (5) to be connected to each other. On the said middle chamber (3 a), there are at least two key ways (20) that can be closed and opened with blind plugs (18), and at least two wedges (19) that reach the middle chamber (3a) through the said keyways (20). Said wedges (19) limit the lateral movement of the doublesided screw shaft (8). The surface of the double-sided screw shaft (8) preferably shows a geometric structure with a round profile and preferably helical channels. The channels on both arms of the double-sided screw shaft (8) are configured to be opposite to each other. The double-sided screw shaft (8) can be with or without a ball. The connection of the double-sided screw shaft (8) with the locking pistons (5) is provided by the guide screws (9) having an end configuration compatible with the channels on the said double-sided screw shaft (8). There are a double-sided screw shaft (8) that allows the locking pins (6) to move linearly and co-ordinately in opposite directions with respect to each other, and at least two guide screws (9) connected by a non-rigid connection with the helical channels on both sides of the said double-sided screw shaft (8) and at least two locking pistons (5) to which said guide screws (9) are rigidly connected. While the locking pistons (5) move in the opening or closing direction with the effect of the hydraulic fluid pressure, the double-sided screw shaft (8) will rotate. In order to prevent the locking pistons (5) from rotating together with the double-sided screw shaft (8), the locking bolt (15) passes linearly from the center line of the locking pin (6), while the said locking bolt (15) passes through its deviation slot (5b) located on locking piston (5). There is preferably a deviation distance (z) between 3 millimeters (mm) and 6 millimeters (mm) between the center line of the said deviation slot (5b) and the center line of the locking piston (5). Said deviation distance (z) will be greater than the distance between the diameter of the locking pin (6) and the diameter of the locking bushing (6a). Thanks to the aforementioned deviation distance (z), the rotational moment created by the double-sided screw shaft (8) will be defeated so as to surround the locking pins (6) and against the normal forces exerted by the locking bushings (6a) positioned on both the bottom bracket (22) and the upper bracket (21) so that the locking pistons (5) will not rotate together with the double-sided screw shaft (8). Thanks to the mentioned arrangement, the locking pins (6) will be provided to move in a coordinated manner. When one of the locking pins (6) encounters an obstacle that overcomes the hydraulic pressure force in the system, the other locking pin (6) will also stop.

The three-faceted locking mechanism (1), which is the subject of the invention, includes connection slots (25) on the outer surface of the hydraulic mechanism body (2), allowing it to be mounted and disassembled on the upper bracket (21) part.

The invention also includes a locking method and most generally includes the following steps;

- Performing pin locking (100)

- Performing hydraulic valve locking (110)

- Termination of hydraulic valve locking process (120)

- Termination of pin locking (130)

The explanations of this method mentioned above will be as follows:

Performing the pin locking process (100) is the stage that takes place after the centering process between the bottom bracket (22) and the upper bracket (21) provided in the automatic attachment replacement apparatus (23). First, hydraulic fluid is entered into the system by means of the opening nipple (13) positioned on the middle chamber (3a) where the double-sided screw shaft (8) is located. In this position, the locking pistons (5) located in the side chambers (3b) close the valve channel inlets (12a). In the said position, the locking channel inlets (11), which are positioned on the side of the locking piston caps (5a) and connected with the locking channels (10), are in the open position. After the middle chamber (3a) is filled with hydraulic fluid, the locking pistons (5), hence the locking pins (6), positioned in the side chambers (3b) located on both sides of the said middle chamber (3 a), begin to move towards the opening direction with the effect of hydraulic pressure. With the said movement, the hydraulic fluid is pumped to the valve chamber (4) through the locking channel inlets (11). When the locking pistons (5) reach the end of the circlip (the point where the locking piston caps (5a) are), the locking pins (6) completely pass into the locking bushings (6a) positioned on the bottom bracket (22) and complete the pin locking process.

Performing hydraulic valve locking (110) is the step that takes place after the step (100) of performing the pin locking operation. The hydraulic fluid passing through the locking channel inlets (11) positioned on the side of the locking piston cap (5a) in the side chambers (3b) of the locking channels (10) until the aforementioned pin locking process (100) is completed, is pumped to the valve chamber (4) from the locking channel outlets (I la) positioned on the valve piston cap (7a) side on the valve chamber (4) of the locking channels (10). Hydraulic fluid is supplied to the valve chamber (4) by means of valve channels (12) while the hydraulic fluid that fills the valve chamber (4) through the locking channels (10) is discharged from the valve chamber (4) by means of the closing nipple (14) positioned on the side of the valve piston cap (7a) in the valve chamber (4). With the mentioned process, the valve piston (7) starts to move towards the opening direction. At this stage, the locking channel outlets (I la) in the valve chamber (4) are closed by the valve piston (7). When the valve piston (7) reaches the end of the segment limited by the valve piston cap (7a), the female hydraulic valves (16) acting together with the valve piston (7) and the male hydraulic valves (17) positioned in the bottom bracket (22) are locked with each other. Thus, the valve locking process is completed.

Termination of the hydraulic valve locking process (120) is the step that is performed when it is desired to separate the bottom bracket (22) and the upper bracket (21) from each other. At this stage, hydraulic fluid is pumped from the closing nipple (14) to the valve chamber (4). While the valve piston (7) moves towards the closing direction with the hydraulic fluid pressure, the hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylindrical cavity (3) through the valve channels (12) in the valve chamber (4). The opening nipple (13) positioned on the middle chamber (3a) in the cylindrical cavity (3), on the other hand, performs hydraulic fluid discharge. When the valve piston (7) completes its movement towards the closing direction and reaches the end of the segment where the valve channels (12) are located, the female hydraulic valves (16) positioned on the valve piston (7) completely separated from the male hydraulic valves (17) in the bottom bracket (22). Thus, the valve locking process is terminated. Termination of the pin locking process (130) is the stage performed after the termination (120) of the hydraulic valve locking process. When the valve piston (7) completes its movement in the closing direction, the locking channel outlets (I la) in the valve chamber (4) come to the open position. The hydraulic fluid pumped into the valve chamber (4) via the closing nipple (14) enters the cylindrical cavity (3) through the locking channels (10) through the locking channel inlets (11) located in the side chambers (3b). The locking pistons (5) start to move towards the closing direction with the hydraulic fluid pressure filling the side chambers (3b) from the locking channel inlets (11). With the start of the said movement, the valve channel inlets (12a) are also closed by the locking pistons (5). When the locking pins (6) complete their movement in the closing direction, the locking pins (6) come out completely from the locking bushings (6a) positioned in the bottom bracket (22). Thus, the pin locking process is terminated.

The technical features and working principle of the three-faceted locking mechanism (1), which is the subject of the invention, has eliminated the need to check with sensors whether the pin locking system is performed properly during the attachment (24) replacement operations of the construction machines.

Application of the Invention to Industry

The three-faceted locking mechanism (1), which is the subject of the invention, can be used in any type and size of fasteners driven by hydraulic energy, especially in automatic attachment replacement apparatuses (23) used in work machines. With the three-faceted locking mechanism (1), which is the subject of the invention, it can be used in all locking or unlocking machine systems that require sequential operation without the need for sensors.