Tool connector and system for locking a connector to a tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (1) designed to be locked to a tool (2) housed in a tool holder (20), the tool comprising a locking space (22) configured to receive at least one locking member (600), said connector comprising: - at least one locking member (600) configured to be moved in a direction that is transverse to a longitudinal direction of the connector, - at least one lock having a position in which it is movable in the longitudinal direction, the transverse loading of the locking member being dependent on the position of the lock in the longitudinal direction, the lock comprising a portion (203) designed to engage on a bearing surface (21) of the tool holder, the connector being configured: - during a first translation in a first direction (x1) of the longitudinal direction, and by cooperation with the bearing surface, to cause a longitudinal movement of the lock in the first direction and to cause the locking member (600) to be received in the locking space (22) by transverse movement, and - during a second subsequent translation in the first direction (x1) of the longitudinal direction, and by cooperation with the bearing surface, to cause a longitudinal movement of the lock in a second direction and allow removal of the locking member from the locking space.

Description

[0001] TOOL CONNECTOR AND SYSTEM FOR LOCKING A CONNECTOR TO A TOOL

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to the field of industrial tools, and more specifically deals with a tool connector and a system for locking a connector to a tool, which allows, by moving the connector, to couple and decouple it to a tool supported by a tool holder.

[0004] Background to the invention

[0005] It is common in industries to use articulated machines on which different tools can be mounted, in order to perform different tasks, rather than having one machine per task. In the most basic approach, an operator may be responsible for mounting the tool and dismounting it on the articulated machine, requiring the machine to be secured, involving its shutdown and the intervention of an operator, which can be time-consuming. In order to speed up and automate tool changing, some machines carry out the tool changing themselves. To do this, a tool holder is used, which includes a tool housing in which a tool is housed, and a connector carried by the machine couples the tool and the machine.

[0006] In all cases, it is necessary to secure the tool to the machine, i.e., to lock the tool and the machine, then unlock them. Many locking systems exist to lock two elements. However, some are difficult to implement by a machine without human intervention, while others require specific actuators and sensors that must be powered, or complex movements of the machine connector. All these constraints can result in locking systems that are complex to implement, not very robust, or only provide unreliable locking.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a system for locking a connector to a tool housed in a tool holder, which can be easily implemented even by a machine without requiring a power supply and ensuring reliable locking by simple movements.

[0008] Presentation of the invention

[0009] The invention allows the locking of a connector to a tool housed in a tool holder. To this end, the invention proposes a connector adapted to be locked to a tool housed in a tool holder, the tool comprising a locking space configured to receive at least one locking member, said connector comprising:

[0010] - at least one locking member configured to be moved in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the connector, - at least one lock of which a position is movable in the longitudinal direction, a transverse stress of the locking member depending on the position in the longitudinal direction of the lock, the lock comprising a portion adapted to engage on a bearing surface of the tool holder,

[0011] - a movable cam urged in the first direction of the longitudinal direction by a return member and configured to move in rotation around the longitudinal direction and in translation along the longitudinal direction, the movable cam comprising a first toothing configured to cooperate with the lock to drive the lock in the first direction of the longitudinal direction or to allow movement of the lock in the second direction of the longitudinal direction, depending on the rotation of the movable cam; the connector being configured to:

[0012] - during a first translation in a first direction of the longitudinal direction and by cooperation with the support surface, cause a longitudinal displacement of the lock in the first direction and the reception of the locking member in the locking space by transverse displacement, and

[0013] - during a second subsequent translation in the first direction of the longitudinal direction and by cooperation with the bearing surface, cause a longitudinal displacement in a second direction of the lock and allow a withdrawal of the locking member from the locking space.

[0014] The connector is characterized in that it comprises a pusher movable in the longitudinal direction, which is biased in the first direction by a return member, and which is configured to cooperate with the bearing surface, and in that the movable cam comprises a second toothing configured to cooperate with a toothing of the pusher.

[0015] According to other optional but advantageous characteristics, possibly taken in combination:

[0016] - the lock further comprises a fixed cam having a toothing configured to cooperate with the second toothing of the movable cam;

[0017] - the second toothing of the movable cam is configured to be in simultaneous contact with the toothing of the fixed cam and the toothing of the pusher;

[0018] - the lock comprises a protrusion, for example a finger, running along the first toothing of the movable cam as a function of the rotation of the movable cam;

[0019] - in an unlocked position in which the lock allows withdrawal of the locking member, the protrusion faces a clearance in the first toothing, delimited by a longitudinal wall of the first toothing whose cooperation with the protrusion prevents rotation of the movable cam until a translation of the movable cam brings an escape point terminating the wall opposite the protrusion; - the lock comprises a surface extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction and which faces the locking member;

[0020] - the lock is arranged around a hollow support, said support having an internal through volume suitable for the passage of connection elements between the machine and the tool.

[0021] Another object of the invention relates to a system for locking a connector to a tool in a longitudinal direction comprising:

[0022] - a tool holder comprising a tool housing and having a bearing surface,

[0023] - a tool housed in the tool housing, comprising a locking space configured to receive at least one locking member,

[0024] - a connector as described above, the connector being adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface to lock or unlock from the tool by a translation in the first direction of the longitudinal direction.

[0025] Presentation of figures

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0027] - Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of the assembled connector,

[0028] - figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector,

[0029] - figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector support,

[0030] - figure 4A is a perspective view of the connector pusher, figure 4B is a developed view of a pattern of the teeth of said pusher,

[0031] - figure 5A is a perspective view of the fixed cam of the connector, figure 5B is a developed view of a pattern of the teeth of said fixed cam,

[0032] - Figure 6A is a perspective view of the outer ring, the inner ring and the collar of the movable cam, Figure 6B is a developed view of a pattern of the teeth of the inner ring, Figure 6C is a developed view of a pattern of the teeth of the inner ring and the outer ring of the movable cam, and Figure 6D is an overall view of the movable cam ring,

[0033] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connector finger ring,

[0034] - figure 8 is a perspective view of the ball cam of the connector,

[0035] - Figure 9A is a perspective view of the assembly of the finger ring of Figure 7 and the ball cam of Figure 8, and Figure 9B is a schematic sectional view of a wall of the ball cam and a finger of the finger ring,

[0036] - figure 10A is a perspective view of the tool flange, figure 10B is a sectional view of a wall of said flange opposite a locking ball,

[0037] - figure 11 is a developed view of the patterns of the teeth of the pusher and of the different cams in an initial unlocked position of the connector, - figures 12A to 121 represent views of the position of the connector during successive stages of a cycle of locking the connector on the tool,

[0038] - figures 13A to 13E represent views of the position of the connector during successive stages of a cycle of unlocking the connector with respect to the tool.

[0039] For reasons of readability of the figures, not all the components of the connector have been systematically represented; only the components necessary for understanding each figure have been represented.

[0040] Detailed description of embodiments

[0041] The connector according to the invention is adapted to be mounted on a machine, for example a robotic arm, in order to use a tool housed in a tool holder. The connector is designed to cooperate with the tool holder to move a lock, so as to lock the connector on the tool and allow the use of the tool by the machine. Conversely, the connector is designed to cooperate with the tool holder to unlock the connector from the tool and replace it in its housing after use.

[0042] The connector comprises for this purpose a lock movable in a longitudinal direction, adapted to move a locking member in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction. The tool comprises a locking space adapted to reversibly receive the locking member. The locking member is movable between a locking position in which it engages in the locking space, thus making it possible to lock the connector on the tool, and an unlocking position in which it disengages from the locking space, thus making it possible to unlock the connector from the tool.

[0043] The tool holder includes a housing for the tool and a hole for inserting or removing the tool and the connector from the housing. The housing extends along a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal direction of movement of the lock when the connector is inserted into the housing.

[0044] The tool holder has a bearing surface for the connector, the cooperation between the connector and said bearing surface making it possible to actuate the lock between its unlocked position and its locked position.

[0045] Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of the connector. Said connector comprises a support around which are arranged different rings movable in rotation and / or in translation relative to the support, together forming the lock, which are capable of occupying different positions during a locking or unlocking cycle of the connector on the tool.

[0046] Support

[0047] The connector 1 comprises a support 10 for the other components of the connector, which extends along a longitudinal axis X. As best seen in Figure 3, the support 10 comprises a generally cylindrical barrel 11 about the axis X.

[0048] The barrel 11 comprises on its outer surface two shoulders 11 A, 11 B, forming support surfaces for the cone of the locking system, as detailed below.

[0049] The support 10 further comprises a collar 12 extending radially at one end of the barrel 11. Said collar 12 makes it possible to fix the support 10 to a flange 14 for mounting the connector on a machine. The connection between the support 10 and the flange 14 is for example achieved by embedding or by any other rigid fixing means, such as screws.

[0050] The support 10 further comprises a key 13. The key 13 is arranged longitudinally between the shoulders 11 A and 11 B and makes it possible to fix the finger ring 400 on the support.

[0051] Particularly advantageously, the support 10 is hollow. The lock being arranged outside the support, the interior volume of the support 10 is free and suitable for containing other connection elements between the machine and the tool, in particular more fragile components such as signal connections, power connections or pneumatic connections.

[0052] Furthermore, the space in the center of the flange can be arranged to accommodate the connectors.

[0053] The components forming the lock are held on the support 10 by means of a cover 16 arranged on the side of the barrel 11 opposite the collar 12 and fixed to the flange 14 by means of screws 15 passing through the interior volume of the support.

[0054] Fixed cam

[0055] The support 10 further supports a fixed cam 300. The fixed cam 300 is rigidly connected to the support 10, for example by embedding.

[0056] As best seen in Figure 5A, the fixed cam 300 has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0057] At one of its ends, the fixed cam 300 is provided with teeth 301.

[0058] As illustrated in Figure 5B, the toothing 301 is composed of a pattern that is repeated four times around the circumference of the fixed cam 300. From left to right in the figure, said toothing 301 successively has a first vertical portion 3010, which extends parallel to the X axis when the fixed cam 300 is mounted on the support 10, a first slope 3011 which is a locking slope, a counter-slope 3012 which initiates the start of unlocking, and a second slope 3013 which is not linear but has an inflection 3013A to allow an unlocking escape.

[0059] Pusher

[0060] A pusher 200 is mounted in sliding connection on the support 10. As seen in FIGS. 4A and 5A, said sliding connection can be ensured by a key 302 mounted on the fixed cam 300, an internal groove 202 of the pusher receiving said key 302.

[0061] The pusher has a toothing 201 at one of its ends.

[0062] As illustrated in Figure 4B, the toothing 201 is composed of a periodic, symmetrical pattern, comprising a slope 2010 and a counter-slope 2011. The bottom 2012 of the toothing forms a stop point, as will be seen below.

[0063] At the end opposite the toothing 201, the pusher 200 comprises a collar 203 which extends radially.

[0064] The collar serves as a support for a return spring 204 arranged between the pusher 200 and a collar 1010 of the movable cam 100, the return spring 204 urging the pusher 204 in the direction X1. Said spring 204 thus ensures a return to the initial position of the pusher at the end of the locking and unlocking operations.

[0065] As will be seen below, the face of the collar 203 opposite the return spring 204 is also intended to come into contact with the bearing surface of the tool holder, so as to provide cooperation between the connector and the tool holder for locking and unlocking the tool.

[0066] Moving cam

[0067] The movable cam 100 is a rigid assembly formed of three concentric parts integral with each other: a collared ring 101, an external ring 102 and an internal ring 103 (see figures 6A and 6D).

[0068] The ring 101 comprises a collar 1010 extending radially outwards. One side of said collar 1010 serves as a support for the return spring 204 of the pusher while the other side of said collar serves as a support for the return spring 104 of the movable cam, which is arranged between the support and the movable cam.

[0069] Springs 104 and 204 are coaxial and have a substantially identical diameter, but spring 204 has a slightly lower stiffness than spring 204.

[0070] The movable cam is mounted as a sliding pivot on the support. The spring 104 urges the movable cam in translation in the direction X1.

[0071] The outer ring 102 and the inner ring 103 each have a respective toothing 1020, 1030 (respectively called external toothing and internal toothing), the internal toothing 1030 being arranged inwardly relative to the external toothing 1020, the two toothings being arranged at the same end of the movable cam 100.

[0072] As illustrated in Figure 6B, each pattern of the internal toothing 1030 successively comprises, from left to right of the figure, a first slope 1031 for escape upon unlocking, a counter-slope 1032 for maintaining semi-locking, a slope 1033 for progressive locking, a flat 1034 for contacting the lug, and an unlocking clearance 1035.

[0073] Figure 6C illustrates the set of teeth 1020 and 1030.

[0074] Finger ring

[0075] Referring to Figure 7, the connector comprises a finger ring 400 comprising a plurality of fingers 401 extending radially outward. The number of fingers is equal to the number of patterns of the internal teeth of the movable cam, each finger cooperating with the internal teeth of the movable ring.

[0076] The finger ring is fixed to the barrel 11 of the support by means of the key 13.

[0077] Cam on balls

[0078] Referring to Figure 8, the connector includes a ball cam 500.

[0079] One or more balls 600, which constitute a locking member, are retained in a ring 601 pierced with a respective orifice 602. The ring 601 is integral with the support.

[0080] The cam 500 is mounted as a sliding pivot on the support 10, inside the ring 601.

[0081] The cam 500 has at one end a collar 501 extending radially outwards, said collar serving as a support for a return spring 503.

[0082] The outer surface of the cam 500 comprises a cylindrical main portion from which a conical slope 502 extends, corresponding to a reduction in the outer diameter of the cam 500 towards the end opposite the collar 501. Depending on the axial position of the cam 500 and the ring 601, the balls are moved radially between an unlocking position in which each ball extends essentially inside the ring 601 and a locking position in which each ball forms a protrusion towards the outside through the orifice 602.

[0083] The return spring 503 is arranged between the support and the collar and exerts a force aimed at pressing the cam 500 against the finger ring 400. Thus, the movements of the internal teeth of the movable cam are reflected, via the fingers 401, on the axial position of the ball cam 500, and therefore on the open or closed position of the lock.

[0084] Figure 9A is a perspective view of the assembly of the cam 500 and the finger ring 400, and Figure 9B is a schematic sectional view of the cam 500, its return spring 503 and a finger 401 of the ring 400.

[0085] The diameters of the different rings forming the lock are chosen so that the teeth 201 of the pusher cooperate with the external teeth 102 of the movable cam and with the teeth 301 of the fixed cam, and so that the internal teeth of the movable cam cooperate with the fingers of the finger ring.

[0086] Tool

[0087] In the figures, only a flange for connecting the tool to the connector is shown. The rest of the tool can take different forms depending on the functions to be performed by the tool. As illustrated in Figure 10A, the tool 2 has an annular flange comprising an internal groove 22. Said groove is adapted to receive the locking member of the connector in the locking position, and therefore forms the locking space of the tool. For example, in the embodiment shown schematically in Figure 10B, the locking member comprises a ball 600 and the groove 22 has a shape adapted to receive a portion of the ball, so as to ensure axial retention of the connector with respect to the tool by means of the ball.

[0088] In the tool holder, the tool is arranged with the locking space oriented towards the hole side, in order to allow the connector locking member to be inserted into the locking space.

[0089] We will now describe a step-by-step operating cycle, comprising a locking phase and an unlocking phase. Advantageously, these steps follow one another continuously and automatically as long as the forces provided by the springs overcome internal friction. The design of the connector therefore allows for a low locking / unlocking force. In particular, the operating cycle does not include any interruption between two successive steps of the same locking or unlocking phase. Furthermore, the sequence of steps does not require external intervention to trigger a subsequent step during the same locking or unlocking phase.

[0090] In an initial step, the tool is arranged in the tool holder, the tool holder being fixed relative to the machine frame. Preferably, the tool holder is arranged vertically and the opening in the tool holder, through which the tool can be inserted into or removed from the tool holder, is oriented upwards. In this text, the terms "vertical", "up" or "down" are understood to refer to the direction of the force of gravity, which also corresponds to the orientation of the drawing boards.

[0091] In the tool holder 20, the tool flange comprising the groove 22 is located set back (downwards) relative to the bearing surface 21. The vertical distance between the groove 22, which forms the locking space of the tool, and the bearing surface 21 is equal to the travel of the lock between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0092] The connector is mounted on a machine. For the sake of brevity, the remainder of the description will assume that the connector is arranged at the end of a cobotic arm, but it goes without saying that it could be mounted on any other system that requires tool changes. In this initial step, the connector is in the unlocked position.

[0093] Figure 11 illustrates the relative positions of the teeth of the various connector components in the initial stage.

[0094] The return spring 104 of the movable cam 100 is in the relaxed position.

[0095] The external toothing 1020 of the movable cam 100 is engaged with the toothing 201 of the pusher 200. More precisely, the slope 1021 is in contact with the counter-slope 2012. The ball 600 is not engaged in the groove 22 of the flange of the tool 2.

[0096] Steps 1 to 5 correspond to a phase of locking the connector on the tool; steps 6 to 10 correspond to a phase of unlocking the connector from the tool.

[0097] Step 1

[0098] With reference to Figure 12A, the cobotic arm is actuated to introduce the connector into the tool holder in the direction of arrow X1, until the collar 203 of the pusher comes into contact with the bearing surface 21 of the tool holder.

[0099] Step 2

[0100] By continuing the movement of introducing the connector into the tool holder, the pusher 200 compresses the spring 104, driving the movable cam 100 via the external toothing 1020. Under the effect of the angle a between the toothing 201 of the pusher and the toothing 301 of the fixed cam and the compression of the spring 104, a torque is induced on the movable cam. However, the movable cam is not driven in rotation because the external toothing 1020 also interacts with the fixed cam 300, which in this position prevents it from rotating. The vertical portion 3010 of the toothing 301 in fact only allows a pure translation of the movable cam 100 relative to the fixed cam 300. The spring 204 does not undergo any compression or relaxation in this step.

[0101] Furthermore, with this open position of the connector, the ball cam 500 is not activated because the internal toothing portion 1020 of the movable cam opposite the fingers 401 of the finger ring 400 does not induce any force on the balls.

[0102] The position shown in Figures 12B and 12C corresponds to the end of the insertion stroke of the lock into the tool holder, when the external toothing 1020 of the movable cam reaches the escape point 3014 on the fixed cam.

[0103] Step 3

[0104] The introduction of the connector into the tool holder continues, inducing compression of the spring 104 by pressing the pusher 200 on the tool holder 20. The spring 204 is compressed in turn but, as its stiffness is less than that of the spring 104, it does not oppose the escape of the movable cam.

[0105] The escape point 3014 of the external toothing 1020 on the fixed cam 300 being exceeded, the torque induced by the slope 2011 of the pusher 200 can be expressed: the mobile cam 100 turns, and the spring 104 always seeking to relax, the external toothing 1020 of the mobile cam simultaneously follows the toothing 201 of the pusher and the toothing 301 of the fixed cam, so that the mobile cam is driven by a combined translation and rotation movement.

[0106] The portion of internal teeth 1030 facing the fingers 401 of the finger ring evolves by the combined rotation / translation of the movable cam. These movements end up inducing a first contact of the internal teeth 1030 with the fingers 401 of the finger ring 400. The position shown in Figures 12D and 12E corresponds to the moment when the internal teeth come into contact with the fingers.

[0107] Step 4

[0108] This last step corresponds to the end of the lock's insertion stroke into the tool holder. The pusher is then in the maximum insertion position.

[0109] The rotation / translation of the movable cam continues by reaction of the external teeth on the teeth of the pusher and the fixed cam which are equivalent on this portion. The portion 1034 of the internal teeth in contact with the fingers is flat, so that the fingers undergo the translation of the movable cam.

[0110] By successive reactions, the spring 503 of the ball cam is compressed and the balls begin to engage in the groove 22 of the tool flange under the effect of the translation of the conical portion 502 of the ball cam (see figure 12F).

[0111] The position shown corresponds to the end of this rotation at maximum pressure of the pusher. In fact, the external toothing 1020 of the movable cam reaches the bottom 2012 of the toothing of the pusher.

[0112] The connector is then in the semi-locked position on the tool holder (this position is called semi-locked because the engagement of the balls 600 in the groove 22 of the tool flange prevents the connector from being removed from the tool, but the pressure on the pusher 200 has not yet been released).

[0113] Step 5

[0114] The semi-locked connector to the tool is removed from the tool holder by translating it in the opposite direction to that of steps 1 to 4.

[0115] By relaxation of the spring 104 of the movable cam and of the spring 204 of the pusher, as well as by return of the spring 204, the pusher 200 is kept in contact with the bearing surface 21 of the tool holder during the retraction of the tool and the connector. The external toothing 1020 of the movable cam which was in abutment at the bottom 2012 of the toothing of the pusher can again interact with the toothing of the fixed cam 300 which reappears in contact on the external toothing during the retraction of the pusher (see figure 12G).

[0116] Under the combined effect of the relaxation of the spring 104 and the spring 204 and the cooperation between the slope of the external toothing 1020 of the movable cam and the toothing 301 of the fixed cam, the movable cam performs a final combined rotation / translation. The end of travel of this rotation / translation is induced by the stop of the balls 600 in the flange 2 of the tool.

[0117] Thus, by reaction, the ball cam 500 can no longer translate, the finger ring 400, which is integral with the ball cam 500, can no longer translate, and the internal teeth of the movable cam, which rests on the fingers 401, can no longer translate.

[0118] The locked position is reached and constantly maintained under the direct effect of the relaxation of spring 104 and spring 204. The position shown in figures 12H and 121 corresponds to the end of the retraction of the connector in the tool holder: the tool is in place and locked on the connector.

[0119] It will be noted that the lock is dimensioned so that the external teeth of the movable cam are engaged with those of the pusher 200, but not in abutment in the bottom of the teeth of the fixed cam 300, in order to guarantee the maintenance of the locking by the action of the return spring 104 of the movable cam. It is the clearance j between the end of the external teeth of the movable cam and the bottom of the teeth of the fixed cam which therefore ensures the locking. However, thanks to the spring 204, the pusher returns to its initial position.

[0120] The tool can then be used by operating the cobotic arm to carry out the intended tasks.

[0121] When a tool change is desired, steps 6 to 10 are implemented.

[0122] Before implementing step 6, the lock is in the position of step 5, the tool is locked on the connector and the tool holder is fixed relative to the machine frame, with its hole facing upwards, and free of tool.

[0123] Step 6

[0124] The cobotic arm is operated to introduce the tool into the tool holder, by a translational movement in the axis of the tool holder, until the connector pusher comes into contact with the tool holder.

[0125] Step 7

[0126] The connector is then inserted into the tool holder. This causes the pusher to compress the spring 104, thereby driving the movable cam 100.

[0127] Under the combined effect of the compression of the spring 104, as well as the interaction of the slopes of the external teeth 1020 of the movable cam, the teeth 201 of the pusher and the teeth 301 of the fixed cam, the movable cam performs a combined translation / rotation movement (see figure 13A).

[0128] The portion 1032 of internal teeth contacting the fingers 401 in this position makes it possible to erase the translation of the movable cam. Indeed, the slope of the portion 1032 of the internal teeth is substantially parallel to that of the portion 3012 of the fixed cam. Thus, the fingers 401, which are held in contact on the internal teeth by the spring 503 of the ball cam 500, do not translate or almost not, and the locking remains effective. The tool cannot yet be removed from the connector and fall into the tool holder.

[0129] The position shown in Figure 13A corresponds to the middle of the rotation / translation stroke, where the outer toothing is in simultaneous contact with the toothing of the fixed cam and the toothing of the pusher.

[0130] Step 8

[0131] The introduction into the tool holder continues, the pusher continues to compress the spring 104 and drive the movable cam by the external teeth. During the continuation of the compression by the pusher, the external teeth interact with the teeth of the pusher and that of the fixed cam. Under the effect of the return of the spring 104 and the combined slopes, the movable cam continues its rotation / translation (see figure 13B).

[0132] As in step 7, the internal teeth of the movable cam compensate for this reverse translation of the movable cam at the fingers in order to maintain a semi-lock of the connector on the tool.

[0133] Step 9

[0134] The introduction into the tool holder continues, the pusher continues to compress the spring 104 and drive the movable cam by the external teeth.

[0135] As illustrated in Figure 13C, contact of the external toothing 1020 with the fixed cam is momentarily lost, as the pusher's depression stroke continues.

[0136] The external toothing, under the effect of the slopes and the relaxation of the spring 104, induces a rotation / translation of the movable cam until the external toothing reaches the stop in the bottom 2012 of the toothing of the pusher. This rotation makes it possible to make the tip of the external toothing pass vertically above the last portion 3013 of the fixed cam thanks to the slope inflection 3013A on the latter. This allows the external toothing of the movable cam to resume contact with the fixed cam on the portion 3013.

[0137] Furthermore, it is now the portion 1031 of the internal teeth of the movable cam which is in contact with the fingers 401.

[0138] Step 10

[0139] This step corresponds to the end of the introduction of the connector into the tool holder. The pusher continues to compress the spring 104 and drive the movable cam by the external teeth.

[0140] During the translation / rotation of the movable cam, the external toothing resumes contact with the fixed cam at the portion 3013 while maintaining contact with the toothing 201 of the pusher. The toothing portion of the corresponding fixed cam allows the fingers 401 to escape.

[0141] Indeed, the fingers 401 of the finger ring then reach the escape point of the internal teeth at the end of the portion 1031, and under the effect of the return spring 503 of the ball cam, the ring 400 translates as well as the cam 500, and the balls 600 are therefore unlocked (see figure 13D).

[0142] The position shown corresponds to an intermediate position of the movable cam whose external teeth follow the corresponding portion of the fixed cam. The fingers have escaped and are found in the initial portion of the internal teeth.

[0143] The connector is unlocked.

[0144] Step 11

[0145] Finally, the connector is removed by translation out of the tool holder. By the return effect of the spring 104 as well as the return spring 204 of the pusher, the pusher is kept in contact with the support surface of the tool holder. This translation of the pusher relative to the support induces the continuation of rotation / translation of the movable cam.

[0146] This movement has no effect on the balls and therefore the unlocking. In fact, since the escape of the fingers in the portion 1035 of the internal teeth, the ball cam is completely pushed back into the unlocked position by its return spring 503.

[0147] The retraction stroke therefore allows the movable cam to be returned to its initial position, i.e. with the external teeth in abutment at the foot of the vertical portion of the teeth of the fixed cam (see figure 13E). The tool is therefore removed from the connector and the extraction of the connector can be continued, to return to step 1.

Claims

Claims 1. Connector (1) adapted to be locked to a tool (2) housed in a tool holder (20), the tool comprising a locking space (22) configured to receive at least one locking member (600), said connector comprising: - at least one locking member (600) configured to be moved in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the connector, - at least one lock, one position of which is movable in the longitudinal direction, a transverse stress on the locking member depending on the position in the longitudinal direction of the lock, the lock comprising a portion (203) adapted to engage on a bearing surface (21) of the tool holder, - a movable cam (100) biased in the first direction of the longitudinal direction by a return member (104) and configured to move in rotation around the longitudinal direction (X) and in translation along the longitudinal direction (X), the movable cam (100) comprising a first toothing (1030) configured to cooperate with the lock to drive the lock in the first direction of the longitudinal direction or to allow movement of the lock in the second direction of the longitudinal direction, depending on the rotation of the movable cam, the connector being configured to: - during a first translation in a first direction (x1) of the longitudinal direction and by cooperation with the support surface, cause a longitudinal displacement of the lock in the first direction and the reception of the locking member (600) in the locking space (22) by transverse displacement, and - during a second subsequent translation in the first direction (x1) of the longitudinal direction and by cooperation with the bearing surface, cause a longitudinal displacement in a second direction of the lock and allow a withdrawal of the locking member from the locking space, the connector being characterized in that the lock comprises a pusher (200) movable in the longitudinal direction (X), which is biased in the first direction by a return member (204), and which is configured to cooperate with the bearing surface, and in that the movable cam (100) comprises a second toothing (1020) configured to cooperate with a toothing (201) of the pusher.

2. Connector according to claim 1, wherein the lock further comprises a fixed cam (300) having a toothing (301) configured to cooperate with the second toothing (1020) of the movable cam (100).

3. Connector according to claim 2, in which the second toothing of the movable cam is configured to be in simultaneous contact with the toothing of the fixed cam and the toothing of the pusher.

4. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the lock comprises a protuberance (401) running along the first toothing (1030) of the movable cam as a function of the rotation of the movable cam.

5. Connector according to claim 4, in which in an unlocked position in which the lock allows withdrawal of the locking member, the protrusion faces a clearance (1035) in the first toothing, delimited by a longitudinal wall of the first toothing whose cooperation with the protrusion prevents rotation of the movable cam until a translation of the movable cam brings an escape point terminating the wall opposite the protrusion.

6. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lock comprises a surface (502) extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction and which faces the locking member (600).

7. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lock is arranged around a hollow support (10), said support having an internal through volume suitable for the passage of connection elements between the machine and the tool.

8. System for locking a connector to a tool in a longitudinal direction (X) comprising: - a tool holder comprising a tool housing and having a bearing surface, - a tool housed in the tool housing, comprising a locking space configured to receive at least one locking member, - a connector according to one of claims 1 to 7, the connector being adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface to lock or unlock from the tool by a translation in the first direction of the longitudinal direction.

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