Coupling for connecting tool to arm of construction machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling (5) comprising a cavity (21) for accommodating a coupling member (11) fitted to a tool (1). A system (40) for retaining the coupling member in the cavity comprises:-a retaining member (100) mounted on the body and movable by the coupling member between an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position retaining the coupling member; -a lever (200) mounted on the retaining member so as to be movable between a locked position and a released position, the locked position preventing the retaining member from moving to its retracted position; -return means (250) forcing the lever to bias towards its locking position; -an unlocking device (500) controllable by an operator so as to move between an inactive position and an active position in which the unlocking device and the lever can interact.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting a tool to the arm of a construction machine, and a construction machine including such a connector.

[0002] The connector according to the invention is intended as a quick-attachment assembly for tools on the end of the arm of a construction machine. The general principle of the quick-attachment assembly is to equip the tool with a connecting device, which typically has a male connecting device, such as a trunnion, and to equip the end of the arm with a connector having a female connecting device, such as a hook into which the male connecting device engages.

[0003] Quick-attach components allow tools to be attached to and disconnected from machine arms, sometimes without operator intervention, offering significant advantages in ease and speed of tool change. For the safety of personnel and property, the connector must also be able to keep the tool in place during operation.

[0004] While existing connectors are generally satisfactory, they can still be improved.

[0005] This invention relates to a connector intended for mounting on the end of the arm of a construction machine and designed for connection to a tool, and the connector comprises:

[0006] - A body comprising at least one first housing for receiving a first connecting member disposed on a tool, the first housing having an opening for passage of the first connecting member;

[0007] - and a system for holding the first connecting member within the first housing.

[0008] The holding system includes at least:

[0009] - A retaining member movably mounted on a body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position, an opening of the first housing is at least partially closed to prevent the first connecting member from leaving the first housing, and in the retracted position, the first connecting member allows the first connecting member to leave the first housing, the retaining member having a contact surface configured to engage with the first connecting member such that the first connecting member can move the retaining member to its extended position or its retracted position;

[0010] - A lever movably mounted on a retaining member and movable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein in the blocking position the lever prevents the retaining member from moving from an extended position to a retracted position, and in the release position the retaining member is allowed to move from an extended position to a retracted position;

[0011] - A return mechanism that biases the lever toward its blocking position;

[0012] - A first abutment portion fixed to the body, the first abutment portion being configured to engage with a first contact surface of the lever to prevent the lever from reaching its blocking position when the retaining member is not in the extended position;

[0013] - An unlocking device that is movable relative to the body of the connector between an inactive position and an active position and is operable by an operator, wherein in the inactive position the unlocking device does not interact with the lever, and in the active position the unlocking device and the lever can interact.

[0014] During the tool connection phase, when the first connecting member is placed in the first housing, the retaining member moves from its retracted position to its extended position, causing the lever to shift toward its blocking position, thus ensuring that the first connecting member remains in the first housing. During the tool disconnection phase, the shift of the unlocking device from its inactive position to its active position causes the lever to shift toward its release position against the force applied by the return device, thus allowing the first connecting member to leave the first housing.

[0015] An advantage of the connector according to the invention is that, during the tool connection phase, the connector automatically ensures the retention of the first connecting member by the action of the connecting member itself passing through the opening of the first housing and then moving until it is in place in the housing in the mounting position. Therefore, this retention is independent of any other means in the connector intended to complete the tool connection.

[0016] Furthermore, due to the present invention, the retention of the first connecting member occurs early in the tool connection stage, that is, it can occur as soon as the first connecting member is received in the housing in the installation position, even if other steps are required later to complete the tool connection.

[0017] In particular, in a connector that includes a system for locking the tool to the body, the present invention makes it possible to ensure the retention of the first connecting member without the intervention of the locking system and before the locking system is actuated.

[0018] In embodiments where the tool includes a second connecting member and the body includes a second housing for receiving the second connecting member, the stage of connecting the tool to the arm of the machine may include a first step of placing the first connecting member in the first housing and holding it in that mounting position, and then a second step of placing the second connecting member in the second housing and locking it in that mounting position by a locking system.

[0019] In this case, the connector according to the invention enables the connection between the tool and the connector to be secured immediately after the first step is completed, even if the locking system has not yet been activated, or even if the second connecting member has not yet been received in the second housing.

[0020] Therefore, the present invention provides a connector that ensures excellent safety. In fact, ensuring the retention of the first connecting member early in the tool connection phase significantly reduces the risk of the tool falling during the process of connecting the tool to the machine arm. This risk is particularly high as long as the connection is not locked, because without an early holding system, the movements applied to the connector by the machine operator to complete the tool connection could cause the first connecting member to accidentally detach from the first housing.

[0021] The present invention also provides advantages during the tool disconnection phase.

[0022] First, the present invention enables the first connecting member to leave the first housing by simply activating the unlocking device. This activation can be automatically generated by an operator issuing a command to another device of the connector intended to enable tool disconnection, such as an unlocking system. In other words, in this case, activating the unlocking device does not require the use of an activation device that operates independently of the device intended to enable tool disconnection. However, alternatively, the activation of the unlocking device can be generated by independent operation.

[0023] For example, in the aforementioned embodiment where the connector includes a second housing on one hand to receive the second tool connecting member and on the other hand to include a locking system, it can be configured such that the unlocking device is functionally connected to the locking system. In this case, a single command from the operator to the locking system can cause the release of the second connecting member, and then, in a subsequent step, cause the release of the first connecting member.

[0024] Furthermore, in symmetry with the description of the tool connection phase, it can be ensured that the first connecting member is retained until the later stages of the tool disconnection phase, specifically only after other steps required for tool disconnection have been performed prior to the connection phase.

[0025] In particular, in the connector that includes a system for locking the tool to the body, the present invention ensures that the first connecting member is held in place as long as the locking system remains unlocked.

[0026] In this case, the connector according to the invention enables the connection between the tool and the connector to be maintained until the first step of the disconnection process is completed, i.e., when the locking system is unlocked.

[0027] Therefore, excellent safety is also guaranteed during the tool disconnection phase using the connector according to the invention.

[0028] The housing, located within the body of the connector, is the insertion point for the connecting member on the tool; the connecting member is a male component. The body of the connector includes at least one female connecting element, such as a hook, forming the housing.

[0029] The unlocking device is capable of translating between its active and inactive positions. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the unlocking device is capable of rotating between its active and inactive positions.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the unlocking device is configured such that, during the tool connection phase, when in the active position of the unlocking device, it can also elastically transition from an engaged state to a disengaged state by the action of the lever moving from its release position to its blocking position, and can return to its inactive position and its disengaged state by elastic recovery according to a command from the operator.

[0031] For example, the unlocking device is constructed as follows:

[0032] - When the unlocking device is in the inactive position, during the time the unlocking device is moved to its inactive position, and when the unlocking device reaches its active position, it is in an engaged state. In its active position, the unlocking device then contacts the lever and is able to move the lever toward its release position.

[0033] - During the tool engagement phase, when in the active position of the unlocking device, the lever can be elastically transitioned from the engaged state to the disengaged state by moving from its released position to its blocking position, so as to allow the displacement of the lever;

[0034] - And according to the operator's command, it returns to its inactive position and its engaged state through elastic recovery.

[0035] The unlocking device, for example, can translate between its active and inactive positions. This translation occurs along the displacement path.

[0036] In this case, according to one possible implementation, in the active position and the disengaged state, the end portion of the unlocking device located on the lever side is orthogonal to the path offset relative to the position of the end portion when the unlocking device is in the active position and the engaged state.

[0037] It is conceivable that the end portion of the unlocking device on the lever side has a flat end portion that can contact the lever in the active position of the unlocking device, so that the unlocking device can move the lever toward its release position.

[0038] Furthermore, the end portion may also have a boss configured to engage with a portion of the connector body when the unlocking device moves between its inactive and active positions, and / or with a portion of the lever when the lever moves from its released position to its blocking position. Engagement with the portion of the connector allows the unlocking device to be guided between its inactive and active positions. Engagement with the portion of the lever allows the unlocking device to transition to a disengaged state.

[0039] The lever end portion of the unlocking device and the corresponding portion of the lever can have complementary shapes, thus allowing for good mutual cooperation.

[0040] The unlocking device can be a component capable of elastic deformation. For example, the unlocking device is a semi-rigid metal blade capable of flexing orthogonally to its intermediate plane, particularly capable of transitioning from an engaged state to a disengaged state.

[0041] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the unlocking device is a rigid component, such as an arm, and the connector includes a resilient return device that separates from the unlocking device and biases the unlocking device toward its engaged state. The resilient return device may be mounted between the body of the connector and the unlocking device.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the body further includes a second housing separate from the first housing, the second housing for receiving a second connecting member disposed on the tool and separate from the first connecting member. The connecting member may be a cylindrical rod. The first housing may be formed of at least one hook-shaped element. The second housing may include at least one cavity, without necessarily being defined by a hook-shaped element.

[0043] The connector may also include a system for locking the second connecting member within the second housing. This locking system includes at least one locking member movable relative to the body of the connector between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the second connecting member is held within the second housing and in the unlocked position, the second connecting member is freely disengaged from the second housing. For simplicity, the system is referred to as a "locking system," but those skilled in the art will understand that it is a locking / unlocking system.

[0044] The unlocking device used in the system for holding the first connecting member within the first housing can be fixed to the locking member. In this case, the locked position of the locking member corresponds to the inactive position of the unlocking device, and the unlocked position of the locking member corresponds to the active position of the unlocking device. Therefore, unlocking the second connecting member automatically causes the lever to unlock, and thus causes the first connecting member to be released.

[0045] This movement of the locking component can be a translation, such as a translation orthogonal to the two axes of the first and second connecting members.

[0046] The first and second connecting members can be parallel cylindrical rods with the same diameter, thus allowing the tool to be connected to the connector in two opposite directions.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the retaining member is rotatable about an axis fixed to the body of the connector, and / or the lever is rotatable about an axis fixed to the retaining member, said axes being parallel. These axes are further preferably parallel to the axis of the connecting member.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the retaining member is rotatable about an axis fixed to the body of the connector. Additionally, the retaining member has a recess configured to receive the first connecting member, and this recess is defined by two wings facing each other and located on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the retaining member. In this way, support against one of the wings tilts the retaining member toward its extended position, and support against the other wing tilts the retaining member toward its retracted position. In practice, this tilting can be caused by moving the connecting member into the recess to abut against one or the other wing support.

[0049] The retaining member may also include a stop surface configured to engage with the body of the connector to limit displacement of the retaining member from its retracted position to its extended position.

[0050] The body of the connector may include a second abutment portion configured to engage with a second contact surface of the lever when the lever is in the blocking position.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the lever includes an extension and a protrusion, the protrusion preferably projecting from a surface of the extension, the protrusion including a first contact surface and a second contact surface. Additionally, the body of the connector includes a wall having:

[0052] - The face substantially adjacent to the face of the extension protruding from the lever's protrusion;

[0053] - The surface forming the first contact portion; and

[0054] - The surface that forms the second contact part.

[0055] The second contact surface is preferably separate from the first contact surface; the second abutting portion is preferably separate from the first abutting portion. The fit between the first contact surface and the first abutting portion, and between the second contact surface and the second abutting portion, is generated by the action of the return device.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the connector includes a component fixed to the body, the component having a movement restricted by guiding and / or blocking. The component may have a channel defined by the wall and another wall facing the wall, wherein an extension of the lever engages in the channel. The component may have a support surface against which the unlocking device preferably contacts and abuts throughout its displacement range between its inactive and active positions.

[0057] This component can be integrated as a single piece with the connector body, or alternatively, it can be initially separated from the connector body and fastened to the connector body.

[0058] The lever may have an actuation region configured to engage with an unlocking device such that the unlocking device moves the lever toward its released position. The lever may also have an actuator region configured to engage with the unlocking device in its active position to transition the unlocking device from an engaged state to a disengaged state. The actuation region and / or actuator region may be part of an extension of the lever.

[0059] The present invention also relates to a construction machine, particularly a public works machine, such as a hydraulic excavator. The machine includes a boom and a coupling as described above, mounted at the end of the boom.

[0060] The present invention also relates to a quick-attachment assembly for a tool on the end of the arm of a construction machine, the quick-attachment assembly including a connector as described above, and the tool having at least one first connecting member being received in a first housing of the connector.

[0061] Possible embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0062] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a portion of the arm of a construction machine equipped with a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, with tools connected to the connector;

[0063] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of connectors and tools that are not connected to each other;

[0064] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the connector body;

[0065] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a retaining system belonging to a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The side view of the system is maintained;

[0067] Figure 6This is a side view of the retaining component of the retaining system;

[0068] Figure 7 It is a side view of the lever that maintains the system;

[0069] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a motion-limiting component belonging to a retaining system;

[0070] Figure 9 This is a 3D diagram of the unlocking device belonging to the retention system;

[0071] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional view of the lever installed on the retaining component;

[0072] Figures 11 to 19 The diagram illustrates the sequential steps involved in connecting the tool to the connector;

[0073] Figures 20 to 25 The diagram illustrates the sequential steps of disconnecting the tool from the connector;

[0074] Figure 26 The illustration shows another possible configuration of the connector and tool assembly at the start of the process of connecting the tool to the connector.

[0075] Figure 1 The tool 1, here a bucket, is shown connected to the arm 2 of a public works machine (not shown) by means of a quick-attachment assembly 3. The quick-attachment assembly 3 includes a connecting device 4 and a connector 5. The connecting device 4 is fastened to the tool 1, and the connector 5 is mounted at the end of the arm 2 and is designed to connect to the tool 1, more specifically to the connecting device 4 fastened to the tool 1.

[0076] Tool 1 includes a first connecting member 11 and preferably a second connecting member 12. Connecting members 11 and 12 are male members, specifically cylindrical rods having axes A11 and A12, respectively. Axes A11 and A12 are preferably parallel to each other. Connecting members 11 and 12 are mounted between two plates 13 of tool 1, the plates preferably being parallel to each other and orthogonal to axes A11 and A12. According to one embodiment, connecting members 11 and 12 are parallel cylindrical rods with the same diameter, which has the advantage of allowing tool 1 to be connected to the connector in two directions, i.e., for the bucket, where the bucket can be opened towards or away from the machine.

[0077] The connector 5 includes a body 20, which includes two flanges 30, preferably parallel to each other. In the upper portion of the connector 5, two shafts 31 are orthogonally oriented to the flanges 30 and arranged between the flanges 30 for connection to an orientation system 6 of the connector 5 mounted on the arm 2 of a machine. Each flange 30 includes a receiving element 32, such as a sleeve or orifice, for each of the shafts 31.

[0078] The body 20 includes a first housing 21 for receiving a first connecting member 11 disposed on the tool 1. The first housing 21 is preferably located in the lower portion of the connector 5. The first housing 21 has an operating area 23, which is the area where the first connecting member 11 is located when the tool 1 is mounted on the arm 2 and ready for use in the working phase. The first housing 21 also has an opening 24 for allowing the first connecting member 11 to enter the operating area 23 during the tool 1 connection phase and to exit the housing 21 during the tool 1 disconnection phase.

[0079] The first housing 21 may be formed by at least one hook-shaped member 35, and preferably by two identical hook-shaped members 35 spaced apart along a direction orthogonal to the flanges 30 and received between the two flanges 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook-shaped member 35 has an integral U-shaped shape, having a lower leg 25, an upper leg 26, and a bottom surface 27. The operating area 23 is adjacent to the bottom surface 27, for example. The lower leg 25 has an inner surface 28, i.e., a surface facing the interior of the housing 21. The following description will be given in the case of a first housing 21 formed by such two hook-shaped members 35, but other embodiments may also be specified.

[0080] Preferably, the body 20 further includes a second housing 22, separate from the first housing 21, for receiving the second connecting member 12 disposed on the tool 1. The second housing 22 may be in the form of two cutouts, each of which is disposed in one of the flanges 30.

[0081] The first housing 21 has an axis A21 that is substantially parallel to the axis A11 of the first connecting member 11 in the use position of the tool 1; the second housing 22 has an axis A22 that is substantially parallel to the axis A12 of the second connecting member 12 in the use position of the tool 1.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the following directions are defined relative to connector 5:

[0083] - Lateral direction Y, which is the direction of axis A21 and axis A22 (when the body 20 includes the second housing 22);

[0084] - Longitudinal direction X, which is a direction orthogonal to axes A21 and A22; the longitudinal direction X may substantially correspond to the direction in which the first connecting member 11 is displaced between the opening 24 of the first housing 21 and the operating area 23;

[0085] - The Z direction, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y.

[0086] When the machine is placed on a generally flat and level surface, and tool 1 is mounted on arm 2 in a neutral position, such as Figure 1 As shown in the diagram: the longitudinal direction X is basically horizontal and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the machine; the transverse direction Y is basically horizontal and corresponds to the transverse direction of the machine; the Z direction is vertical.

[0087] Referring to this spatial configuration, it is specified that the operator can orient the tool 1 differently relative to the arm 2 by acting on the orienting system 6 of the tool 1.

[0088] In this spatial configuration, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the X direction and the forward displacement of the machine; the term "lateral" is used with reference to the Y direction; and the terms "upper," "lower," "top," etc., are used with reference to the Z direction. The machine has a central plane parallel to the plane (X, Z). The opening 24 of the first housing 21 is positioned, for example, toward the machine, i.e., rearward, while the second housing 22 may be in the form of two cutouts, each located in the lower and front portions of the flange 30. Each cutout may have an upper surface 37 generally parallel to the plane (X, Y) and a bottom surface 38 generally parallel to the plane (Y, Z), the upper surface 37 and the bottom surface 38 being connected by a fillet 39.

[0089] The connector 5 also includes a system 40 for retaining the first connecting member 11 within the first housing 21. The retaining system 40 is preferably housed in the lower portion of the connector 5 between the flanges 30 of the body 20 of the connector 5.

[0090] The system 40 includes, in particular, Figure 6 and Figure 10 The retaining member 100 is shown in the figure.

[0091] The retaining member 100 is movably mounted on the body 20, in the extended position (especially in...). Figure 15 (as shown in the middle diagram) and the retraction position (especially in) Figure 11 (as shown in the middle figure) The first housing 21 moves between the two positions. In the extended position, the opening 24 of the first housing 21 is at least partially closed to prevent the first connecting member 11 from leaving the first housing 21. In the retracted position, the first connecting member 11 is allowed to leave the first housing 21.

[0092] For example, in the retracted position, no part of the retaining member 100 is located inside the housing 21 on the open portion 24 side. In other words, when the housing 21 is formed by the aforementioned hook 35, no part of the retaining member 100 is positioned beyond the inner surface 28 of the lower leg 25 of the hook 35 on the open portion 24 side.

[0093] Specifically, according to one embodiment, the retaining member 100 is rotatable about an axis A100 fixed to the body 20 of the connector 5, the axis A100 being able to pass through, for example, the lower leg 25 of the hook 35.

[0094] The retaining member 100 includes a main portion 101 having a recess 102 having the shape of a generally laterally extending groove and defined by a first wing 103 and a second wing 104 facing each other. The recess 102 has a bottom surface 105, a first surface 106 serving as the surface of the first wing 103 facing the recess 102, and a second surface 107 serving as the surface of the second wing 104 facing the recess 102. The recess 102 opens upward.

[0095] In the mounting position where the retaining member 100 is located on the body 20 of the connector 5, the main portion 101 is accommodated between the lower legs 25 of the hook-shaped member 35, and the bottom surface 105 of the recess 102 is substantially adjacent to the inner surface 28 of the lower legs 25 of the hook-shaped member 35, but is positioned recessed relative to said inner surface 28. Additionally, a first wing 103 is located on the side of the open portion 24, while a second wing 104 is located on the side of the bottom surface 27 of the hook-shaped member 35. The first wing 103 may include, for example, a break 109 located in the central portion of the first wing 103 along the lateral direction Y.

[0096] The axis of rotation A100 of the retaining member 100 can be located in the main portion 101 below the recess 102. The axis A100 may not be longitudinally centered between the wings 103 and 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis A100 is longitudinally offset toward the first wing 103. It can also be offset in the opposite direction. In practice, the axis A100 can be formed by a transverse trunnion 112, which is inserted into an aperture 113 in the retaining member 100 and into an aperture 29 in the hook member 35 corresponding to the aperture 113.

[0097] The recess 102 in the retaining member 100 is configured to receive the first connecting member 11. A first surface 106 and a second surface 107 of the recess 102 form a contact surface configured to engage with the first connecting member 11, allowing the first connecting member 11 to move the retaining member 100 toward its extended position or its retracted position. Therefore, the first connecting member 11 can tilt toward its retracted position by abutting against the support of the first wing 103, while it can tilt toward its extended position by abutting against the support of the second wing 104. On the other hand, during the connection and disconnection phases of the tool 1, the first connecting member 11 does not rest on the bottom 105 of the recess 102, but rather on the inner surface 28 of the lower leg 25 of the hook-shaped member 35.

[0098] like Figure 6 As illustrated by arrow R100, the displacement of the retaining member 100 toward the extended position generally corresponds to the raising of the first wing 103 and the forward movement (along the longitudinal direction X) of the second wing 104, while... Figure 6 As illustrated by arrow R'100, the displacement of retaining member 100 toward the retracted position generally corresponds to the lowering of the first wing 103 and the rearward movement of the second wing 104 (i.e., a rearward displacement along the longitudinal direction X).

[0099] The retaining member 100 also includes a stop surface 110 configured to mate with the surface 33 of the body 20 of the connector 5 to limit displacement of the retaining member 100 from its retracted position toward its extended position. For example, as Figure 6 and Figure 10 As seen in the image, the stop surface 110 is the surface of the protrusion 111 that protrudes upward from the second wing 104. The stop surface 110 is opposite to the recess 102, that is, facing forward in the exemplary embodiment.

[0100] Furthermore, the retaining member 100 may also include an arm 115 that projects from the main portion 101, from the lower portion of the second wing 104, generally along the longitudinal direction X and opposite to the opening 113. Thus, the arm 115 extends forward here. The arm 115 may be laterally eccentric, specifically positioned in line with the sidewall of the main portion 101.

[0101] The system 40 also includes special features in Figure 7 and Figure 10 The lever shown in the diagram is 200.

[0102] The lever 200 is movably mounted on the retaining member 100 and moves between a blocking position and a releasing position. In the blocking position, the lever 200 prevents the retaining member 100 from moving from the extended position to the retracted position, and in the releasing position, the retaining member 100 is allowed to move from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0103] The lever 200 preferably has a base portion 201 mounted on the retaining member 100.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 200 is rotatable about an axis A200 fixed to the retaining member 100 and parallel to the axis of rotation A100 of the retaining member 100 relative to the body 20 of the connector 5.

[0105] The axis of rotation A200 of the lever 200 can be located in the arm of the retaining member 100, substantially at the free end of the arm 115. Therefore, the second wing 104 of the retaining member 100 is located longitudinally between axes A100 and A200. Specifically, the arm 115 may include two parallel spacers 116, with a portion of the lever 200, preferably the base 201 of the lever 200, inserted between these two parallel spacers. In practice, axis A200 can be formed by a transverse trunnion (not shown) introduced into an orifice 202 in the lever 200 and into an orifice 117 in the arm 115 corresponding to orifice 202.

[0106] The lever 200 has an overall elongated shape that extends from the base 201 of the lever 200 to the free end of the lever 200 in a generally similar direction to the second wing 104, but the lever 200 can form a variable angle with the arm 115 during operation of the holding system 40.

[0107] The lever 200 includes a bar 205 that extends substantially in a straight line from the base 201, the bar 205 being extended by an extension 210 that can be substantially orthogonal to the bar 205 and points generally forward.

[0108] The extension 210 may be in the form of a plate. The extension 210 includes, for example, two opposite surfaces 211 orthogonal to the transverse direction Y. The extension 210 also includes a nose 215 protruding downward from the front portion of the extension 210 and a front surface 212 corresponding to the edge of the plate.

[0109] The shift of lever 200 toward the blocking position—by Figure 7 The arrow R200 in the diagram illustrates—corresponding to the lowering of the nose 215, and the shift of lever 200 toward the release position—by… Figure 7 The arrow R'200 in the diagram indicates a rise corresponding to the nose at 215.

[0110] Strip 205 constitutes a thicker portion of lever 200 than extension 210, i.e., a portion with a larger dimension along the lateral direction Y. Therefore, the end portion of strip 205 opposite to the base 201 forms a protrusion 220, which protrudes from one of the faces 211, and preferably from each face 211, i.e., on both sides of extension 210. Lever 200 may be symmetrical about its intermediate plane parallel to the plane (X, Z).

[0111] The front face of the protrusion 220 or each protrusion 220 includes:

[0112] - The portion forming the first contact surface 221, for example, is in the form of a circular boss located at the included angle of the two surfaces;

[0113] - and a portion forming a second contact surface 222, which may be adjacent to the first contact surface 221 and extend upward relative to the first contact surface 221, and this portion may form a concave surface.

[0114] The holding system 40 includes a return device 250 that biases the lever 200 toward its blocking position.

[0115] like Figure 10 As shown, the return device 250 is accommodated in a hole 120 disposed in the retaining member 100 and extending generally along the longitudinal direction X. For example, the hole 120 has an opening 121 that opens between the two spacers 116 of the arm 115 and a bottom surface 122 opposite to the opening 121. The return device 250, for example including a coil spring, is coaxially mounted to the hole 120 about a pin 213, which is slidable within the hole 120 and is provided with a head 214. The return device 250 abuts between the bottom wall 122 of the hole 120 and the head 214 of the pin 213 and is in a compressed state.

[0116] The head 214 is arranged to protrude from the hole 120, pass through the opening 121, and abut against the base 201 of the lever 200. More specifically, the surface of the base 201 of the lever 200 facing the hole 120 may have a flat region 203 and a ridge 204 above the flat region 203, the head 214 being able to abut against the flat region 203 or the ridge 204 according to the steps of the tool 1 connection or disconnection phase. In all intermediate positions between the released position and the stopped position of the lever 200, the ridge 204 allows the linear force of the pin 213 to be converted into a rotational torque of the lever 200. The flat region 203 can counteract the torque, thereby limiting angular displacement.

[0117] In addition, the system 40 includes Figure 8 The component 300 shown in the figure is a component that restricts movement by means of guides and / or blocks. Component 300 is fixed to the body 20 of the connector 5. Component 300 may be an initial separation component fastened to the body 20; alternatively, component 300 and body 20 may be made as a single piece. Component 300 is located in front of and above the axis of rotation A200 of the lever 200 relative to the axis of rotation A200 of the retaining member 100.

[0118] According to one possible implementation, component 300 is essentially in the form of a cuboid.

[0119] Component 300 may have a channel 301 that forms a gap allowing free displacement of extension 210. Channel 301 extends along the Z-direction and has a generally U-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the Z-direction. Channel 301 is defined by two facing walls 302, which are substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the plane (X, Z). Each wall 302 has a face 303 facing the interior of channel 301 and an end face or rear face 304 substantially parallel to the plane (Y, Z). Additionally, channel 301 has a bottom face 306. Furthermore, component 300 has a lower face 305 substantially parallel to the plane (X, Y) and this lower face 305 is also the lower face of wall 302. For each wall 302, the rear face 304 and the lower face 305 are connected by a face 307 forming a rounded corner.

[0120] Furthermore, when the tool 1 is provided with the second connecting member 12 and the body 20 is provided with the second housing 22, the connector 5 includes a system 400 for locking the second connecting member 12 in the second housing 22.

[0121] For example, in particular Figure 4 As can be seen, the locking system 400 includes at least one locking member 401, and preferably includes two substantially identical locking members 401 spaced apart along the lateral direction Y. The locking member 401 may be in the form of a longitudinally extending arm, and the end portion of the locking member 401 located on the side of the second housing 22 has a shape adapted to the shape of the second connecting member 12. For example, the end portion of the locking member 401 has an upwardly opening circular notch 402.

[0122] Locking component 401 can be in the position as follows Figure 19 The diagram illustrates the locking position in which the second connecting member 12 is held within the second housing 22. For example, a portion of the locking member 401, including at least a notch 402, protrudes into the second housing 22, the notch 402 substantially facing the upper surface 37 of the corresponding cut.

[0123] Locking member 401 can be in a locked position relative to the body 20 of connector 5, and particularly in Figure 11 The device moves between the unlocked positions shown in the diagram. In this unlocked position, the second connecting member 12 is freely disengaged from the second housing 22.

[0124] In the embodiment shown as an example, the locking member 401 is capable of translational movement relative to the body 20 of the connector 5 along the longitudinal direction X. In the case where the locking system 400 includes two locking members 401, these locking members can be engaged together by means of a base member 403 fastened to the end portion opposite to the second housing 22 of each locking member 401.

[0125] The displacement of the locking member 401 can be controlled by the operator, typically from the machine's cab. For this purpose, the coupling 5 may include a cylinder 404, which includes a movable rod 405 fastened to the locking member 401, for example, to the base member 403. The cylinder 404, or any other actuator (particularly mechanical or hydraulic), can be controlled by the operator.

[0126] Finally, the holding system 40 includes an unlocking device 500, which is movable relative to the body 20 of the connector 5 between an inactive position and an active position in a manner controllable by an operator. In the inactive position, the unlocking device 500 does not interact with the lever 200, while in the active position, the unlocking device 500 and the lever 200 can interact. In other words, the operator controls the actuation of the unlocking device 500.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking device 500 is fixed to the locking member 401. Therefore, by means of the cylinder 404 or any other actuator controlled by the operator, the unlocking device 500 can translate between its inactive position corresponding to the locked position of the locking member 401 and its active position corresponding to the unlocked position of the locking member 401.

[0128] For example, the unlocking device 500 extends generally in the longitudinal direction and has an end portion 501 fastened to the locking member 401, such as fastened to the base member 403, and an opposite end portion 502 located on the side of the lever 200, which is the rear end portion in this case.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking device 500 is a metal blade with its intermediate plane generally parallel to the plane (X, Y). The unlocking device 500 is an elastically deformable component. The unlocking device 500 is semi-rigid, i.e., it has sufficient rigidity to act on the lever 200 during the disconnection phase of the tool 1 to move the lever 200, but also sufficient flexibility to flex orthogonally to its intermediate plane, i.e., flex approximately along the Z direction.

[0130] Therefore, in the active position, the unlocking device can be configured to elastically transition from an engaged state to a disengaged state, in which the end portion 502 located on the lever 200 side is displaced downward along the Z direction relative to the position of the end portion 502 when the unlocking device 500 is in the engaged state.

[0131] In the active position, in the engaged state, the unlocking device 500 can contact the lower surface 305 of the component 300, while in the disengaged state, the unlocking device 500 is preferably away from the lower surface 305 of the component 300.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the unlocking device 500 includes a substantially flat main portion 503 extending between end portions 501 and 502. Furthermore, the end portion 502 of the unlocking device 500 on the lever 200 side has a flat end portion 504 and a boss 505, the portion of the boss 505 on the main portion 503 side forming a recess 506. The shape of the end portion 502 of the unlocking device 500 may be complementary to the shape of the extension 210 of the lever 200. In particular, the nose 215 of the lever 200 may engage with the recess 506 of the unlocking device 500, and the boss 505 is subsequently fitted into the space provided between the bar 205 and the nose 215.

[0133] The operation of Quick Attach Component 3 will now be described.

[0134] First, refer to Figures 11 to 19 This describes the sequential steps involved in connecting tool 1 to connector 5.

[0135] It should be noted that, although in Figure 2 The first connecting member 11 is a connecting member located on the side of the bucket opening, but in order to... Figure 1 The direction shown in the diagram connects tool 1 to the machine arm 2. Connection to tool 1 can be made in another direction (i.e., with respect to the bucket, its opening is opposite to the machine). In this case, the connecting member positioned opposite to the bucket opening will be the first connecting member 11 and will be introduced into the first housing 21 during the first step, while the connecting member located on the bucket opening side will be the second connecting member 12 and will be introduced into the second housing 22 during a subsequent step.

[0136] like Figure 11 As illustrated, in the initial configuration where tool 1 is not connected to connector 20, the extension 210 of lever 200 joins in the channel 301 of component 300 such that the nose 215 preferably does not protrude below the lower surface 305 of component 300. Return device 250 pushes the head 214 of pin 213 against the flat area 203 of the base 201 of lever 200, where the first contact surface 221 of lever 200 engages with the rear surface 304 of component 300. Therefore, the rear surface 304 forms a first abutment that restricts displacement of lever 200.

[0137] Furthermore, the locking member 401 is in the unlocked position, and the unlocking device 500 is therefore in the active position. Additionally, the unlocking device 500 is in the engaged state. In this position, the unlocking device 500, typically the boss 505 of the unlocking device 500, contacts the lower surface 305 of the member 300. It is conceivable that in this position, the unlocking device 500 slightly flexes relative to its rest position—defined by the absence of stress applied to the unlocking device 500—so that the unlocking device 500 is elastically biased toward the member 300 to ensure good contact with the lower surface 305. The end portion 502 of the unlocking device 500 located on the lever 200 side is positioned, for example, in a straight line with the channel 301 along the Z direction. However, this end portion 502 cannot, for example, enter the channel 301 because the lateral dimension of the end portion 502 is larger than the lateral dimension of the channel 301. Furthermore, this end portion 502 is located at a certain distance from the lever 200. In a variant not shown, the end portion 502 may come into contact with the lever 200, provided that it does not exert any force on the lever 200 so as not to interact with the lever 200.

[0138] Finally, retain component 100 can be in the retracted position.

[0139] Starting from this initial configuration, during the first step of the tool 1 connection phase, the operator actuates the orientation system 6 of the connector 5, causing the first connecting member 11 of the tool 1 to pass through the opening 24 of the housing and then move toward the operating area 23, that is, toward the bottom surface 27 for the hook 35, as by Figure 11 As illustrated by arrow F1. This displacement is not hindered by the retaining member 100 because the retaining member 100 is in the retracted position.

[0140] The first connecting member 11 continues its displacement along arrow F1 into the recess 102 of the retaining member 100—this does not change the position of the components of the retaining system 40. Figure 12 (until the first connecting member 11 contacts the second wing 104, and more specifically the second surface 107).

[0141] The first connecting member 11 abuts against the support of the second surface 107, thereby keeping member 100 relative to axis A100 toward the extended position (along... Figure 13 (as indicated by arrow F2 in the diagram) rotates. Therefore, lever 200 rotates about axis A200 toward the release position (i.e., along...). Figure 7 The lever 200 moves along arrow F3 due to a combination of descending and rotating motions (arrow R'200), but does not reach the release position. Then, the pin 213, biased by the return device 250, does not contact the flat area 203 of the base 201 of the lever 200, but contacts the ridge 204.

[0142] During this displacement, the extension 210 remains partially engaged in the channel 301. The nose 215 of the lever 200, protruding from the channel 301 beyond the lower surface 305 of the component 300, contacts the end portion 502 of the unlocking device 500, for example, in the recess 506, and pushes the unlocking device 500 along arrow F4 by moving the end portion 502 away from the component 300. The nose 215 thus forms the actuator region of the lever 200, which engages with the unlocking device 500 by pushing it downward and flexing it toward its disengaged state.

[0143] As the retaining member 100 continues its rotational movement along arrow F2, the lever 200 continues to move along arrow F3 until the first contact surface 221 no longer faces the rear surface 304 of the member 300. Under the action of the return device 250, the lever 200 then moves along... Figure 14 Arrow F5 in the diagram is oriented around axis A200 toward its blocking position (i.e., along...). Figure 7 The lever 200 rotates and moves along the arrow R'200 until it reaches its blocking position. Therefore, the lever 200 continues to move along the arrow F4 to the end portion 502 of the unlocking device 500, causing the unlocking device 500 to transition to its disengaged state.

[0144] The displacement of lever 200 along arrow F5 is stopped by the engagement between the second contact surface 222 of lever 200 and the surface 307 of component 300. Therefore, when lever 200 is in the stopped position, surface 307 forms a second abutment portion that is configured to engage with the protrusion 220 of lever 200, and more specifically with the second contact surface 222 of lever 200.

[0145] Furthermore, the rotation of the retaining member 100 along arrow F2 caused by the displacement of the first connecting member 11 along arrow F1 is limited by the stop surface 110, which abuts against the body 20 of the connector 5. Then, the retaining member 100 is in the extended position. The position reached after these steps is... Figure 14 The diagram shows the first connecting member 11 then being installed in the first housing 21.

[0146] Therefore, the rear surface 304 of component 300 serves as a first abutment portion, which engages with the first contact surface 221 of lever 200 to prevent lever 200 from reaching its blocking position while keeping component 100 in the non-extended position.

[0147] like Figure 15As can be seen, the first connecting member 11 can no longer leave the first housing 21. In fact, if the first connecting member 11 moves along arrow F6 toward the opening 24 of the housing 21, the first connecting member 11 contacts the first wing 103 and abuts against the first surface 106 of the recess 102. To leave the first housing 21, the first connecting member 11 must move along the retaining member 100... Figure 6 The arrow R'100 rotates about axis A100 to move retaining member 100 from its extended position to its retracted position. However, this movement is impossible because lever 200 is in a blocking position due to the engagement between the second contact surface 222 of lever 200 and the surface 307 of member 300. In addition, lever 200 is held in this blocking position by return device 250.

[0148] Therefore, the first connecting member 11 is held in the first housing 21 even before the stage of connecting the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine is completed.

[0149] The next step is to install the second connecting member 12 into the second housing 22. For this, the operator can lift the tool 1 using the arm 2 and properly orient the connector 5 using the orienting system 6.

[0150] The second connecting member 12 along Figure 16 Arrow F7 moves to, for example, abut against rounded corner 39 within the second housing 22. The operator then actuates the locking system 400 to cause the locking member 401 to transition to its locked position along arrow F8. For this purpose, the operator can effectively control cylinder 404.

[0151] This displacement of the locking component 401 results in the same displacement of the unlocking device 500 along arrow F8, starting from the configuration where the unlocking device 500 is in its active position and disengaged state.

[0152] At the start of the shift, the unlocking device 500 elastically deforms, allowing the boss 505 to leave the space between the lever strip 205 and the nose 215 and be positioned below the nose 215. Figure 17 What I saw in the video.

[0153] Then, the boss 505 disengages from the nose 215 and recovers elastically ( Figure 18 (As indicated by arrow F9 in the diagram), the unlocking device 500 contacts the lower surface 305 of the component 300 again. The unlocking device 500 may preferably be slightly offset relative to its rest position, in this case, flexed, throughout its entire displacement range between its active and inactive positions, so as to always contact the lower surface 305 of the component 300.

[0154] The locking component 401 continues to move along arrow F8 until it reaches its locked position, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown in the diagram. At the same time, the unlocking device 500 has also moved along arrow F8, and the boss 505 engages with the lower surface 305 of the component 300 throughout the entire displacement until it reaches the inactive position of the unlocking device 500.

[0155] exist Figures 16 to 19 During the steps illustrated, the positions of component 100 and lever 200 remain unchanged.

[0156] exist Figure 19 In the positions illustrated, each of the connecting members 11 and 12 is positioned within the corresponding housings 21 and 22. The axis A11 of the first connecting member 11 substantially coincides with the axis A21 of the first housing 21, and the axis A12 of the second connecting member 12 substantially coincides with the axis A22 of the second housing 22. The first connecting member 11 is located in the operating area 23 of the first housing 21, substantially abutting against the bottom surface 27. The second connecting member 12 is positioned substantially abutting against the rounded corner 39 and the upper surface 37 forming the cutout of the second housing 22, and against the recess 402 of the locking member 401. The tool 1 is then in the use position, ready for the working stage.

[0157] Now refer to Figures 20 to 25 The following are the sequential steps describing the process of disconnecting tool 1 from connector 5.

[0158] First, according to the operator's command, the locking component 401 of the locking system 400 moves to its unlocked position. The locking component 401 then moves along... Figure 20 The arrow F10 in the image moves, causing the unlocking device 500 to shift in the same direction toward its active position.

[0159] Similar to the movement of the unlocking device 500 from its active position to its inactive position, during the movement of the unlocking device 500 from its inactive position to its active position, the unlocking device 500 contacts the lower surface 305 of the component 300, and the lower surface 305 thus forms a support surface.

[0160] At the end of the movement, the unlocking device 500 is in the active position, and the flat end portion 504 of the unlocking device 500 contacts the lever 200, more specifically the front surface 212 of the extension 210. Due to the thrust applied to the front surface 212, continued movement along arrow F10 has the effect of rotating the lever about axis A200 toward its released position, as by Figure 21 As illustrated by arrow F11. This rotational resistance occurs due to the force applied by the return device 250.

[0161] Therefore, the front surface 212 of the extension 210 forms the actuation area of ​​the lever 200, and the unlocking device 500 acts on the actuation area to move the lever 200 toward its release position.

[0162] Therefore, there is no longer any engagement between the first contact surface 221 of the lever 200 and the second abutment portion, i.e., surface 307, of the component 300, and thus the lever 200 is no longer in a blocking position. However, the extension 210 of the lever 200 can remain engaged in the channel 301 of the component 300.

[0163] Due to the rotation of lever 200 about axis A200, the head 214 of pin 213 pushed by return device 250 no longer contacts the flat area 203 of base 201 of lever 200, but contacts the ridge 204.

[0164] When the locking member 401 reaches its unlocked position, the second connecting member 12 is freed from the second housing 22. Furthermore, the lever 200 is no longer in the blocking position, the lever 200 no longer prevents the retaining member 100 from moving toward its retracted position, and therefore the first connecting member 11 can leave the first housing 21.

[0165] Therefore, as Figure 22 As illustrated, when the first connecting member 11 moves along arrow F12 toward the opening 24 of the housing 21, the first connecting member 11 contacts the first wing 103 of the retaining member 100 and abuts against the first surface 106 of the recess 102. This causes the retaining member 100 to rotate about axis A100 toward its retracted position, as shown in the diagram. Figure 23 As indicated by arrow F13. Therefore, lever 200 moves along arrow F14, that is, it moves upward.

[0166] Due to this movement along arrow F14, the extension 210 moves upward, the front surface 212 of the extension 210 no longer contacts the flat end portion 504 of the unlocking device 500, and the nose 215 contacts the boss 505. Figure 23 ).

[0167] Since lever 200 is no longer blocked by the flat end portion 504 of unlocking device 500, lever 200 can rotate about axis A200 toward the blocking position under the action of return device 250, as if by Figure 24 As indicated by arrow F15 in the diagram. Therefore, lever 200 moves along... Figure 7 The arrow R200 is driven by a combination of upward translation and rotation about axis A200. As a result, the nose 215 moves further upward, away from the boss 505 of the unlocking device 500, and the first contact surface 221 of the protrusion 220 of the lever 200 contacts the rear surface 304 of the component 300 again. Figure 24Therefore, the rear surface 304, which serves as the first abutment, prevents the lever 200 from reaching its blocking position.

[0168] Since lever 200 is not in the blocking position, the first connecting member 11, which is still moving along arrow F12, can continue to rotate the retaining member 100 until the retaining member 100 reaches its retracted position, as shown. Figure 25 As illustrated in the diagram. Then, the first connecting member 11 is no longer held and can be removed from the first housing 21, which ensures the complete disconnection of tool 1.

[0169] Then, according to Figures 11 to 19 In the sequence, connector 5 is ready to receive the new tool 1.

[0170] Whether in the connection or disconnection phase of tool 1, preferably, the extension 210 of lever 200 remains engaged, i.e., at least partially accommodated in the channel 301 of component 300.

[0171] Finally, refer to Figure 26 The illustration shows another possible configuration in which the connector 5 and tool 1 are assembled at the start of the process of connecting the tool to the connector.

[0172] Figure 26 The configuration shown is not the usual configuration at the start of the tool 1 connection phase, but it is still a possible configuration that may arise due to certain circumstances or the manipulation of the holding system 40. In this configuration, the locking member 401 is in the unlocked position and the holding member 100 is in the extended position. Additionally, the lever 200 is below its usual initial position, the flat end portion 504 of the unlocking device 500 contacts the front surface 212 of the extension 210, and tends to hold the lever 200 in its released position against the force applied by the return device 250. On the other hand, there is no contact between the protrusion 220 of the lever 200 and the wall 302 of the member 300. The holding system 40 is configured to allow the connection of the tool 1 even from this initial configuration.

[0173] When the first connecting member 11 passes through the opening 24 ( Figure 26As indicated by arrow F20, the first connecting member 11 contacts the retaining member 100 because the retaining member 100 is in the extended position. However, supported by the first wing 103, the first connecting member 11 can move the retaining member 100 toward its retracted position by rotating it about axis A100 (arrow 21). In fact, since the lever 200 is not in the blocking position, the lever 200 cannot prevent this rotation of the retaining member 100. As a result, the lever 200 moves along arrow F22, and the upward movement causes the front surface 212 of the extension 210 to release from contact with the flat end portion 504 of the unlocking device 500. Then, under the action of the return device 250, the lever 200 rotates about axis A200 toward its blocking position until the first contact surface 221 abuts against the rear surface 304 of the member 300.

[0174] Then, the component is in Figure 11 The location is shown in the diagram, and the tool 1 connection phase can continue as already described.

[0175] Therefore, the present invention provides a decisive improvement over the prior art, which in particular has the advantages mentioned below.

[0176] The connector is exceptionally compact. In fact, the entire retaining system can be housed between the flanges of the connector, thus avoiding any additional bulk. Furthermore, this allows for minimizing the distance between the end of the tool (typically a tooth when the tool is an excavator bucket) and the axis of rotation of the quick-attach assembly about the machine's arm. This reduces the force on this end (the tooth), thereby preserving machine performance as much as possible.

[0177] Furthermore, the coupling has a very simple structure. In fact, the retaining system comprises fewer parts, including very few complex components (specifically, the retaining system includes only one actuator, namely the cylinder of the locking system). Therefore, the retaining system is more robust, including over time, because it has a lower risk of failure. Additionally, this contributes to weight and cost reduction.

[0178] In addition, the implementation of the system is very simple, because the only action required by the operator is to lock / unlock the system.

[0179] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example, but includes all technical equivalents and variations and combinations thereof of the described apparatus.

Claims

1. A connector (5) intended to be mounted on the end of the arm (2) of a construction machine and designed to be connected to a tool (1), the connector (5) comprising: - Body (20), the body (20) includes at least one first housing (21) for receiving a first connecting member (11) disposed on the tool (1), the first housing (21) having an opening (24) for the first connecting member (11) to pass through. - A system (40) for holding the first connecting member (11) within the first housing (21), the system comprising at least: -- A retaining member (100) is movably mounted on the body (20) and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the opening (24) of the first housing (21) is at least partially closed to prevent the first connecting member (11) from leaving the first housing (21), and the retracted position allows the first connecting member (11) to leave the first housing (21), the retaining member (100) having contact surfaces (106, 107) configured to engage with the first connecting member (11) such that the first connecting member (11) enables the retaining member (100) to move toward the extended position or the retracted position of the retaining member (100); -- A lever (200) is movably mounted on the retaining member (100) and moves between a blocking position and a releasing position, wherein in the blocking position the lever prevents the retaining member (100) from moving from the extended position to the retracted position, and the releasing position allows the retaining member (100) to move from the extended position to the retracted position; -- A return device (250) that biases the lever (200) toward a blocking position of the lever (200); -- A first abutment (304) fixed to the body (20), the first abutment (304) being configured to engage with a first contact surface (221) of the lever (200) to prevent the lever (200) from reaching the blocking position of the lever (200) when the retaining member (100) is not in the extended position; -- An unlocking device (500) is movable relative to the body (20) of the connector (5) in an inactive position and an active position in a manner controllable by an operator, wherein in the inactive position the unlocking device (500) does not interact with the lever (200), and in the active position the unlocking device (500) and the lever (200) can interact; During the tool (1) connection phase in which the first connecting member (11) is placed in the first housing (21), the retaining member (100) moves from its retracted position to its extended position, causing the lever (200) to shift toward its blocking position, thus ensuring that the first connecting member (11) remains in the first housing (21). And during the disconnection phase of the tool (1), the displacement of the unlocking device (500) from its inactive position to its active position causes the lever (200) to move toward the release position against the force applied by the return device (250), thus allowing the first connecting member (11) to leave the first housing (21).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unlocking device (500) is configured such that, during the connection phase of the tool (1), when in the active position of the unlocking device (500), it can elastically transition from the engaged state to the disengaged state by the action of the lever (200) moving from the release position to the blocking position of the lever (200), and can return to the inactive position of the unlocking device (500) and the engaged state of the unlocking device (500) by elastic recovery according to the operator's command.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The unlocking device (500) is configured as follows: - When the unlocking device (500) is in the inactive position, during the period when the unlocking device (500) is moved to the inactive position, and when the unlocking device (500) reaches the active position, the unlocking device (500) is in an engaged state, in which the unlocking device (500) then contacts the lever (200) and is able to move the lever toward the release position of the lever; - During the connection phase of the tool (1), when the unlocking device (500) is in the active position, it is possible to elastically transition from the engaged state to the disengaged state by moving the lever (200) from the released position to the blocking position of the lever (200) so as to allow the displacement of the lever (200); - And according to the operator's command, it returns to the inactive position of the unlocking device (500) and the engaged state of the unlocking device (500) through elastic recovery.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The lever (200) has: - An actuation region (212) configured to cooperate with the unlocking device (500) such that the unlocking device (500) moves the lever (200) toward the release position of the lever (200); as well as - Actuator region (215) configured to engage with the unlocking device (500) in the active position of the unlocking device (500) to transition the unlocking device (500) from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The unlocking device (500) is capable of translating between its active and inactive positions.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The unlocking device (500) is capable of translating along a displacement path between an active position and an inactive position, and in the active position and the disengaged engagement state, the end portion (502) of the unlocking device (500) located on the lever (200) side is orthogonal to the path offset relative to the position of the end portion (502) when the unlocking device (500) is in the active position and the engagement state.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The end portion (502) of the unlocking device (500) located on the side of the lever (200) has a flat end portion (504) and a boss (505). The flat end portion (504) is capable of contacting the lever (200) in the active position of the unlocking device (500), so that the unlocking device can move the lever toward the release position of the lever. The boss (505) is configured to engage with a portion (305) of the body (20) of the connector (5) when the unlocking device (500) moves between the inactive and active positions of the unlocking device (500), and / or engage with a portion (215) of the lever (200) when the lever (200) moves from the release position of the lever (200) to the blocking position of the lever (200).

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The unlocking device (500) is a component capable of elastic deformation, such as a semi-rigid metal blade capable of flexing orthogonally to the midplane of the unlocking device (500).

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The unlocking device (500) is a rigid component, and the connector includes a resilient return device that separates from the unlocking device (500) and biases the unlocking device (500) toward the engaged state of the unlocking device (500).

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The body (20) further includes a second housing (22) separate from the first housing (21), the second housing (22) being used to receive a second connecting member (12) disposed on the tool (1) and separate from the first connecting member (11).

11. The connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connector further includes a system (400) for locking the second connecting member (12) in the second housing (22), the locking system (400) including at least one locking member (401) to which the unlocking device (500) used by the system (40) for holding the first connecting member (11) in the first housing (21) is fixed, the locking member (401) being movable relative to the body (20) of the connector (5) among the following: - A locked position in which the second connecting member (12) is held in the second housing (22), and the locked position corresponds to the inactive position of the unlocking device (500), and - Unlock position, in which the second connecting member (12) is free from the second housing (22), and the unlock position corresponds to the active position of the unlocking device (500).

12. The connector according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first connecting member (11) and the second connecting member (12) are parallel cylindrical rods with the same diameter.

13. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The retaining member (100) is rotatable about an axis (A100) of the body (20) fixed to the connector (5), and / or the lever (200) is rotatable about an axis (A200) fixed to the retaining member (100), the axes (A100, A200) being parallel.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The retaining member (100) is rotatable about an axis (A100) of the body (20) fixed to the connector (5). The retaining member (100) has a recess (102) configured to receive the first connecting member (11). The recess (102) is defined by two wings (103, 104) facing each other and located on both sides of the axis of rotation (A100) of the retaining member (100), such that the support against one of the wings (104) tilts the retaining member (100) toward the extended position of the retaining member (100), and the support against the other wing (103) tilts the retaining member (100) toward the retracted position of the retaining member (100).

15. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The retaining member (100) includes a stop surface (110) configured to engage with the body (20) of the connector (5) to limit the displacement of the retaining member (100) from its retracted position toward its extended position.

16. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The body (20) of the connector (5) includes a second abutment (307) configured to engage with a second contact surface (222) of the lever (200) when the lever (200) is in the blocking position.

17. The connector according to claim 16, characterized in that, The lever (200) includes an extension (210) and a protrusion (220), the protrusion (220) preferably protruding from a surface of the extension (210), the protrusion (220) including a first contact surface (221) and a second contact surface (222), and the body (20) of the connector (5) includes a wall (302) having: - The face (303) substantially adjacent to the face of the extension (210) protruding from the protrusion (220) of the lever (200). - The surface (304) forming the first abutment portion; and - The surface (307) that forms the second contact portion.

18. The connector according to claim 17, characterized in that, The connector includes a component (300) fixed to the body (20), the component (300) having a channel (301) defined by the wall (302) and another wall (303) facing the wall (302), the extension (210) of the lever (200) engaging in the channel (301), the component (300) also having a support surface (305), the unlocking device (500) preferably contacting and abutting against the support surface (305) throughout the entire displacement range between the inactive position and the active position of the unlocking device (500).

19. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that, The component (300) and the body (20) of the connector (5) are made as a single piece.

20. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that, The component (300) is initially separated from the body (20) of the connector (5) and fastened to the body (20) of the connector (5).

21. A construction machine, such as a hydraulic excavator, comprising a boom (2), characterized in that, The construction machine includes a connector (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, the connector (5) being mounted at the end of the arm (2).

22. A quick-attachment assembly (3) for a tool on the end of the arm of a construction machine, the quick-attachment assembly comprising a connector (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and a tool (1) provided with at least one first connecting member (11) being capable of being received in the first housing (21) of the connector (5).

Images