Coupler assembly for front end loader

Abstract

P7349AU01 Abstract A coupler assembly (10) for operatively connecting a first and second implement (80X, 80Y) interchangeably to a loader boom (101) of a loader, the loader boom (101) having an end (104) to which the coupler assembly (10) is operatively connectable in a fitted position. Each implement (80X, 80Y) includes a set of mounting elements (84X, 84Y) arranged relative to one another in a specific configuration. The coupler assembly (10) comprises a main frame (12) which includes a plurality of mounting zones (31, 32, 33, 34) at which a plurality of attachment components (50) can be releasably secured to the main frame (12). In a first mode of use in order to connect the first implement (80X), a first group of said attachment components (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) are adapted to be releasably secured at a first group of said mounting zones (31A, 31B, 32A, 32B) so as to be compatible or complementary to the set of mounting elements (84X) of the first implement (80X). In a second mode of use in order to connect the second implement (80Y), a second group of said attachment components (50E, 50F, 50G, 50H, 50I, 50J) are adapted to be releasably secured at a second group of said mounting zones (31A, 31B, 33A, 33B) so as to be compatible or complementary to the set of mounting elements (84Y) of the second implement (80Y). 20 25 28 36 64 22 D ec 2 02 5 P 7 3 4 9 A U 0 1 D e c 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 5 2 8 3 6 6 4 2 2 X X 31B 25 21 31A 12 O 24 O 28 O 66 O 68 20 27 28 18 0 14 67 Z 1 / 12 O X 0 e 27 + 69 0 + 0 D D 0 16 42 Z 32B X 0 23 0 48 33B 15 33A 34B 42 22 32A 48 34A FIGURE 1 20 25 28 36 64 22 D ec 2 02 5 2 0 2 5 2 8 3 6 6 4 2 2 D e c 2 0 2 5 O O O O Z 1 / 1 2 X 0 +D 0 X0 0

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] This disclosure relates to a coupler assembly for use with a loader such as for example a front-end loader or other load lifting apparatus. More particularly, the coupler assembly is for mounting of implements to a front-end loader. Background of the invention

[0002] Front-end loaders are vehicles, often a tractor having an arm or boom to which various types of implements can be attached. The implements may, for example, be operatively connected to the boom via a coupler assembly. Due to differences in design of various implements, perhaps due to different countries of origin, different types of coupler assemblies are often required.

[0003] Implements are typically operatively connected to a loader through a corresponding coupler assembly by means of a specific hitch type. Two common types of implement hitches that are used, are often referred to as ‘Australian’ (AUS) and ‘European’ (Euro) styles. The two hitch types differ from one another by way of the configuration of mounting lugs which mount the implement to the coupler assembly. As a result of the differences in configuration of the mounting lugs for each implement, a coupler assembly unique to each implement is required. This has the significant disadvantage that additional inventory of coupler assemblies is required to satisfy different implement designs / hitch types, which leads to increased operating costs. One example of implements which are currently in use and which have different designs / hitch types, are buckets for scooping, carrying and dumping materials. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a coupler assembly for operatively connecting a first and second implement interchangeably to a loader boom of a loader, the loader boom having an end to which the coupler assembly is operatively connectable in a fitted position, each implement including a set of mounting elements 2025283664   22 Dec 2025 arranged relative to one another in a specific configuration, the coupler assembly comprising a main frame which includes a plurality of mounting zones at which a plurality of attachment components can be releasably secured to the main frame, wherein, in a first mode of use, to connect the first implement, a first group of said attachment components are adapted to be releasably secured at a first group of said mounting zones so as to be compatible or complementary to the set of mounting elements of the first implement and wherein, in a second mode of use, to connect the second implement, a second group of said attachment components are adapted to be releasably secured at a second group of said mounting zones so as to be compatible or complementary to the set of mounting elements of the second implement.

[0005] In a further aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a coupler assembly for operatively connecting a selected one of a plurality of implements to a loader boom of a loader, the loader boom having an outer end to which the coupler assembly is operatively connectable when in a fitted position, the selected one implement including a set of mounting elements arranged relative to one another in a specific configuration, the coupler assembly comprising a main frame which includes a plurality of mounting zones to which a plurality of attachment components can be releasably secured, at least some of the attachment components being arranged in a group which is complementary to the set of mounting elements of the selected one implement.

[0006] In certain embodiments, in the first mode of use the second group of attachment components is removed from the main frame and in the second mode of use the first group of attachment components is removed from the main frame.

[0007] In certain embodiments, when the first and second group of attachment components are interchanged between the first mode of use and the second mode of use one of either the first or second group of attachment components is replaced by the other of the first and second group of attachment components.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the configuration of the set of mounting elements of the first implement is different to the configuration of the set of mounting elements of the second implement, the attachment components being releasably secured to the main frame in a configuration which is complementary to the mounting elements of the implement which is to be connected to the main frame. 2025283664   22 Dec 2025

[0009] In certain embodiments, the main frame comprises an elongated cross member having opposed ends with a longitudinal axis extending between the ends, the main frame further including two arm structures each being at a respective one of the ends of the cross member, the arm structures extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis and including an inner end in the region of the cross member and an outer end spaced from the cross member.

[0010] In certain embodiments, said first group of the mounting zones for use with the first implement includes first and second mounting zones and third and fourth mounting zones, the first mounting zone being in the region of the outer end of one of the arm structures and the second mounting zone being in the region of the outer end of the other arm structure, the third mounting zone being in the region of the inner end of one of the arm structures and the fourth mounting zone being in the region of the inner end of the other arm structure.

[0011] In certain embodiments, said second group of mounting zones for use with the second implement includes first and second mounting zones and fifth and sixth mounting zones, the first mounting zone being at the outer end of one of the arm structures and the second mounting zone being at the outer end of the other arm structure, the fifth mounting zone being in the region of the cross member and adjacent to and inwardly disposed of one of the arm structures and the sixth mounting zone being in the region of the cross member and adjacent to and inwardly disposed of the other arm structure.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the coupler assembly further includes seventh and eighth mounting zones, the seventh mounting zone being disposed adjacent and below the fifth mounting zone, and the eighth mounting zone being disposed adjacent and below the sixth mounting zone.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the attachment components which are releasably secured at the first and second mounting zones comprise support bars.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the attachment components which are releasably secured at the third and fourth mounting zones or fifth and sixth mounting zones are locking pins. 2025283664   22 Dec 2025

[0015] In certain embodiments, the locking pins each comprise an elongated body having opposed ends with a pin axis extending between the ends.

[0016] In certain embodiments, when mounted to the main frame, the pin axes of the locking pins are co axial with an axis which is parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the attachment components which are releasably secured at the seventh and eighth mounting zones comprise bottom blocks.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the locking pins, when secured to the main frame, are mounted for linear movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis between a locked position and a release position.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the locking pins are mounted within apertures in brackets on the main frame.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the coupler assembly includes an actuator operatively connected to the locking pins for moving the pins from the locked position to the release position.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the coupler assembly includes a spring arrangement for urging the locking pins towards the locked position. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosure;

[0023] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a main frame of a coupler assembly according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a coupler assembly being used with a first group of attachments;

[0025] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a coupler assembly being used with a second group of attachments; 2025283664   22 Dec 2025

[0026] Figures 4A to 4D are isometric views of the attachments shown in figure 2;

[0027] Figures 5A to 5D are isometric views of the attachments shown in figure 3;

[0028] Figure 6 is a side elevation of a boom for a front-end loader;

[0029] Figures 7A and 7B are isometric and side views of a first example implement, and Figure 7C is sectional view thereof when secured to a coupler assembly, according to one example;

[0030] Figures 8A-8B are isometric and side views of a second example implement; and

[0031] Figures 9A, 9B and 9C are schematic illustrations of an example of a manner of connecting an implement to the coupler assembly. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0032] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate coupler assemblies 10 adapted for use with implements of different designs. The coupler assemblies are for use with a front-end loader of a vehicle such as a tractor. A typical front end loader lifting apparatus 100 is shown in figure 6. The lifting apparatus 100 comprises a boom 101 having one end 102 operatively connected to the vehicle and an outer end 104 to which a coupler assembly 10 is operatively connected. The boom 101 is adapted to be raised or lowered by a piston / cylinder device 106. The coupler assembly 10 can be pivotally moved relative to the boom by a further piston / cylinder device 108.

[0033] The coupler assembly 10 is adapted to mount implements to the boom 101. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two types of implements 80X and 80Y which are in the form of material handling buckets 82. Each of the buckets 82 has an arrangement of mounting elements (or lug hitches) 84X and 84Y on a rear wall 83 of the bucket by which the bucket 82 can be mounted to the coupler assembly 10. The rear wall 83 has an upper side 81, a lower side 85 an opposed sides 87A and 87B which extend between the upper and lower sides 81 and 85. The mounting elements 84X and 84Y comprise hook-like lugs 86A and 86B and further lugs in the form of protuberances 88A and 88B each having a bore 89 therein. The hook-like lugs 86A and 86B are located towards, but spaced from, upper side 81 of the 2025283664   22 Dec 2025 rear wall. The lugs 88A and 88B are located towards, and spaced from, the lower side 85. As is apparent the mounting elements 84X and 84Y or lugs on the two buckets are arranged in a different configuration with respect to one another. As illustrated in figures 7A and 8A the protuberances 88A and 88B on bucket 80Y are spaced inwardly with respect to lugs 86A and 86B a greater distance than the equivalent lugs on bucket 80X. Put another way, lugs 88A and 88B on implement 80X are located further apart than lugs 88A and 88B on implement 80Y, and are closer to sides 87A and 87B of the rear wall.

[0034] The coupling assembly 10 comprises a main frame 12 which is best illustrated in figure 1. The main frame 12 comprises an elongated cross-member 14 which may be the form of a rod, tube or bar 18 having first and second ends 15 and 16 with a longitudinal axis Z-Z extending between the ends. The main frame 12 further includes first and second arm structures 20 and 21 each being disposed at a respective one of the ends 15 and 16 of the cross member 14. The arm structures are secured to the cross member 14 so as to form a rigid structure. The arm structures 20 and 21 have inner end regions 22 and 23, the arm structures extending laterally from the cross member 14 and terminating at outer end regions 24 and 25. Each arm structure 20 and 21 comprises two spaced apart arm members 27 and 28 which are plate like in form and are wider at the inner end regions 22 and 23 than at the outer end regions 24 and 25. The main frame 12 further includes ‘bottom locating’ support bars 42 disposed between the arm members 24 and 25. The support bars 42 form part of the main frame 12.

[0035] The main frame 12 comprises a series of mounting zones 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B, and 34A, 34B. As shown mounting zones 31A and 31B are at the outer end regions 24 and 25 of the arm structures 20 and 21. Mounting zones 32A and 32B are at the inner regions 22 and 23 of the arm structures and mounting zones 33A and 33B, and 34A and 34B are at the cross member and located inwardly of the arm structures. Attachment components 50 are adapted to be releasably secured at selected mounting zones on the main frame. In the embodiments described the attachment components comprise two groups, 50X and 50Y, which can be used for mounting a particular design of implement to the main frame.

[0036] Two different groups of attachment components 50X and 50Y are illustrated in figures 4 and 5. Attachment components 50x are arranged for use with implement 80X and 2025283664   22 Dec 2025 attachment components 50Y are arranged for use with implement 80Y. The first group 50X comprises two support bars 50A and 50B (‘upper locating’ support bars) and two locking pins 50C and 50D. The support bars include a mounting leg 52 which can be releasably fastened by, for example, bolts to the outer end regions 24, 25 of the arms 20, 21. The locking pins are operatively mounted to the main frame 12 through a series of apertures 43, 44, 45 and 46 within parts of the main frame which enables the locking pins to move linearly in the direction of the longitudinal axis Z-Z between a lock position and a release (or unlock) position by means of an actuator 60 as will be hereinafter described (Figures 2A and 3A). The first group of attachments are arranged, by way of example, for use with the implement shown in figures 7A and 7B. In this arrangement the support bars 42 are adapted to interact and take the load off the lug hitches / mounting elements (88A,88B) (see e.g. Figure 7C). In the lock position pins 50C and 50D are disposed within mounting zones 32A and 32B and are withdrawn therefrom in the release position.

[0037] The second group of attachment components 50Y comprise two support bars 50E and 50F having two mounting legs 53 and 54 which are releasably secured to the outer end regions 24 and 25 of the arms 20 and 21. In this embodiment the support bars (‘upper locating’ support bars), 50E and 50F are mounted so as to be disposed above the outer ends of the arms. Thus, they are in a different position to the support bars 50A and 50B, of the first group 50X. The second group further includes locking pins 50G and 50H which are operatively mounted to the main frame 12 through apertures 43 and 44. The locking pins operate in the same fashion as those in the first group. The second group further includes bottom blocks 50I and 50J which are releasably secured to brackets 48 on the main frame in mounting zones 34A and 34B. In this embodiment the second group of attachments are arranged, by way of example, for use with the implement shown in figures 8A and 8B. In this example, the bottom blocks 50I and 50J are adapted to take the load of the lug hitch shown in figures 8A and 8B. In the lock position pins 50G and 50H are disposed within mounting zones 33A and 33B and are withdrawn therefrom in the release position.

[0038] It will be appreciated that each group of attachment components are arranged in an orientation or configuration complementary to an arrangement of lugs on the implement to be mounted to the main frame. 2025283664   22 Dec 2025

[0039] The locking pins 50C, 50D, 50G and 50H, each comprise a pin body 55 and opposed ends 56 and 57. A pin axis Y-Y extends in a direction between the ends 56 and 57. The locking pins include an attachment portion 58 at the end 57. The locking pins are operatively connected to the actuator via the attachment portions 58.

[0040] Locking pins 50C and 50D are longer than locking pins 50G and 50H. Further, in the region of end 56, the locking pins 50C and 50D include a larger diameter portion, when compared to the portion of pin body 55 that extends therefrom to the attachment portion 58. The apertures 43, 44, 45 and 46 are axially aligned along axis X-X which is parallel to the longitudinal axis Z-Z.

[0041] The locking pins (e.g. 50C, 50D, 50G, 50H) are mounted for movement between a locked position and a release (or unlock) position by means of an actuator 60. The actuator 60 comprises an activating lever 62 and two coupling links 63, 64 operatively connected between the activating lever 62 and respective locking pins. One of the coupling links 63 is an extension of the activating lever 62 and the other coupling link 64 is operatively connected at one end to the activating lever 62 and at the other end to one of the locking pins. The actuating lever pivots around pivot 69 creating a limit reference for coupling link 63 as it is pulled towards stop or detent 68, providing for equal movement of locking pins. The activating lever is located within a slot 67 in a guide 66 which limits its movement. Springs 65 urge the pins towards the locked position. A stop or detent 68, in the form of a shoulder, is provided for temporarily hooking or engaging the lever to retain the locking pins in the release position. The actuating lever includes a handgrip section 61 to facilitate the actuator 60 being manually operable in order to move the locking pins from the lock position to the release position against the influence of the springs.

[0042] As described earlier, the coupler assembly can be configured, so as to adopt either a first or second mode of use. In the first mode of use, the coupler assembly is configured, so as to be able to mount implement 80X to the main frame of the coupler assembly. In the second mode of use, the coupler assembly is configured so as to mount implement 80Y to the main frame.

[0043] In the first mode of use, the first group of attachment components 50X are fitted to the main frame of the coupler assembly. In the second mode of use, the second group of attachments 50Y are fitted to the main frame. Only one of the groups of attachment 8 2025283664   22 Dec 2025 components are fitted to the main frame at any one time, depending upon which implement is to be mounted to the main frame. That is, if for example the assembly is in the first mode of use, and it is desired to change it to the second mode of use, the first group of attachment components are removed from the main frame and subsequently replaced by the second group of attachment components, and vice versa for adopting the first mode of use from the second mode of use.

[0044] One example of a method of connecting an implement such as the buckets illustrated to the coupler assembly is illustrated in Figures 9A to 9C.

[0045] Firstly, using the piston / cylinder 108 the main frame 12 is oriented so that the support bars (e.g. 50A, 50B, 50E, 50F) are in a position in which they can be presented to the hook-like lugs 86A, 86B on the bucket (see figure 9A). The actuator 60 is manually activated to move the locking pins (e.g. 50C, 50D, 50G, 50H) into the release position, and it is held by the stop of detent 68. The vehicle / loader is then moved forwardly so that the upper support bars are located adjacent the hook-like lugs. The boom is then raised so that the upper support bars are located in the hook-like lugs. The main frame 12 is then tilted, and the actuator 60 automatically disengages from the stop or detent 68 by contact with the implement, the locking pins thereby moving into the lock position.

[0046] It will be appreciated that in other forms, the coupler assemblies as described herein may be configured for use with vehicles or apparatus which are required to engage implements, other than loaders.

[0047] In the forgoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0048] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement, or admission of any form of suggestion that prior publication (or 2025283664   22 Dec 2025 information derived from it) or known matter forms art of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0049] Where ever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

[0050] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, addition and / or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0051] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g. aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realise yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment. 2025283664   22 Dec 2025 Table of Parts Coupler Assembly 10 Main Frame 12 Cross Member 14 First and Second Ends 15 / 16 Bar / Rod / Tube 18 First and Second Arm Structures 20 / 21 Inner End 22 / 23 Outer End 24 / 25 Parallel / Spaced Apart Arm Members 27 / 28 Mounting Zones 31A / B, 32A / B, 33A / B, 34A / B Longitudinal Axis Z-Z Support Bars (‘bottom locating’) 42 Attachment Components 50 Attachment Component Groups 50X / Y Support Bars (‘upper locating’) 50A / B / E / F Locking Pins 50C / D / G / H Pin Body 55 Ends 56 / 57 Attachment Portion 58 Pin Axis Y-Y Bottom Block 50I / J Mounting Leg 52 Mounting Legs 53, 54 Apertures 43, 44, 45, 46 Brackets 48 Actuator 60 Actuator Lever 62 Hand Grip Section 61 2025283664   22 Dec 2025 Coupling Links 63 / 64 Springs 65 Guide 66 Guide Slot 67 Stop / Detent 68 Pivot Mount 69 Implements 80X / Y Upper Side 81 Bucket 82 Rear Wall 83 Mounting Elements / Lug Hitches 84X / Y Lower Side 85 Hook 86 Side Ends 87A / B Projection / Protrusion / Protuberance 88 Bore 89 Lifting Apparatus 100 Vehicles Lifting Boom 101 End 102 Outer End 104 Piston / Cylinders 106 / 108

Claims

1. A coupler assembly for operatively connecting a first and second implementinterchangeably to a loader boom of a loader, the loader boom having an end to which the coupler assembly is operatively connectable in a fitted position, each implement including a set of mounting elements arranged relative to one another in a specific configuration, the coupler assembly comprising a main frame which includes a plurality of mounting zones at which a plurality of attachment components can be releasably secured to the main frame, wherein, in a first mode of use, to connect the first implement, a first group of said attachment components are adapted to be releasably secured at a first group of said mounting zones so as to be compatible or complementary to the set of mounting elements of the first implement and wherein, in a second mode of use, to connect the second implement, a second group of said attachment components are adapted to be releasably secured at a second group of said mounting zones so as to be compatible or complementary to the set of mounting elements of the second implement.

2. A coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein in the first mode of use the secondgroup of attachment components is removed from the main frame and in the second mode of use the first group of attachment components is removed from the main frame.

3. A coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the first and second group ofattachment components are interchanged between the first mode of use and the second mode of use one of either the first or second group of attachment components is replaced by the other of the first and second group of attachment components.

4. A coupler assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the configurationof the set of mounting elements of the first implement is different to the configuration of the set of mounting elements of the second implement, the attachment components being releasably secured to the main frame in a configuration which is complementary to the mounting elements of the implement which is to be connected to the main frame.2025283664   22 Dec 20255.    A coupler assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main framecomprises an elongated cross member having opposed ends with a longitudinal axis extending between the ends, the main frame further including two arm structures each being at a respective one of the ends of the cross member, the arm structures extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis and including an inner end in the region of the cross member and an outer end spaced from the cross member.

6. A coupler assembly according to claim 5, wherein said first group of the mountingzones for use with the first implement includes first and second mounting zones and third and fourth mounting zones, the first mounting zone being in the region of the outer end of one of the arm structures and the second mounting zone being in the region of the outer end of the other arm structure, the third mounting zone being in the region of the inner end of one of the arm structures and the fourth mounting zone being in the region of the inner end of the other arm structure.

7. A coupler assembly according to claim 5, wherein said second group of mountingzones for use with the second implement includes first and second mounting zones and fifth and sixth mounting zones, the first mounting zone being at the outer end of one of the arm structures and the second mounting zone being at the outer end of the other arm structure, the fifth mounting zone being in the region of the cross member and adjacent to and inwardly disposed of one of the arm structures and the sixth mounting zone being in the region of the cross member and adjacent to and inwardly disposed of the other arm structure.

8. A coupler assembly according to claim 7, further including seventh and eighthmounting zones, the seventh mounting zone being disposed adjacent and below the fifth mounting zone, and the eighth mounting zone being disposed adjacent and below the sixth mounting zone.

9. A coupler assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the attachment componentswhich are releasably secured at the first and second mounting zones comprise support bars.2025283664   22 Dec 202510. A coupler assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the attachment components which are releasably secured at the third and fourth mounting zones or fifth and sixth mounting zones are locking pins.

11. A coupler assembly according to claim 10, wherein the locking pins each comprise an elongated body having opposed ends with a pin axis extending between the ends.

12. A coupler assembly according to claim 11, wherein, when mounted to the main frame, the pin axes of the locking pins are co axial with an axis which is parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

13. A coupler assembly according to claim 10, wherein the attachment components which are releasably secured at the seventh and eighth mounting zones comprise bottom blocks.

14. A coupler assembly according to claim 10, wherein the locking pins, when secured to the main frame, are mounted for linear movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis between a locked position and a release position.

15. A coupler assembly according to claim 14, wherein the locking pins are mounted within apertures in brackets on the main frame.

16. A coupler assembly according to claims 14 or 15, including an actuator operatively connected to the locking pins for moving the pins from the locked position to the release position.

17. A coupler assembly according to claim 16, including a spring arrangement for urging the locking pins towards the locked position.

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