Coupler for connecting a tool to an arm of a construction machine

Abstract

Coupler for connecting a tool to an arm of a work machine The coupler (5) has a body (20) having a median plane and comprising two hooks (35) defining a first housing (21) for receiving a first coupling member fixed between two plates of a tool. The external face (36) of each hook, adjacent to one of the plates of the tool, comprises: - a first zone (41) which extends from the edge (40) which runs along the first housing, radially in the direction of distance from the axis (A21) of the first housing, to a first line (51). The first zone is flat, parallel to the median plane and forms a portion of a ring around the housing, - a second zone (42) which extends from the first line (51) to a second line (52), forming a portion of a cone centered on the axis of the first housing and converging towards the plate of the tool. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Coupler for connecting a tool to an arm of a work machine

[0001] The invention relates to a coupler for connecting a tool to an arm of a work machine, as well as a work machine comprising such a coupler.

[0002] The coupler according to the invention is intended for a quick-attach assembly for attaching a tool to the end of an arm of a work machine. The general principle of a quick-attach assembly is to provide the tool with a connection device which generally has male connection means such as pins, and to provide the end of the arm with a coupler which has female connection means such as hooks into which the male connection means engage.

[0003] A quick coupling assembly makes it possible to connect a tool to an arm of a machine and to disconnect it, in certain cases without manual intervention by the machine operator, offering great advantages in terms of simplicity and speed of tool change. The coupler must also make it possible to guarantee the retention of the tool during the work phases, for the safety of people and property.

[0004] In a known embodiment, a tool comprises a first coupling member, such as a journal, and a plate fixed to each end portion of the first coupling member, orthogonally to said first coupling member. Furthermore, the coupler comprises a body having a median plane and comprising two hooks which are arranged on either side of said median plane and which define a housing configured to receive the first coupling member of the tool.

[0005] According to a first design, in the use position, the hooks are located between the plates of the tool. In this case, in the use position, the distance between the internal faces of the plates of the tool is slightly greater than the distance between the external faces of the hooks, i.e. the faces which are each adjacent to a plate of the tool. According to a second design, in the use position, the hooks are located on either side of the plates of the tool, on the external side thereof. In this case, in the use position, the distance between the external faces of the plates of the tool is slightly less than the distance between the internal faces of the hooks, i.e. the faces which are each adjacent to a plate of the tool. In other words, there is a transverse clearance between the hooks and the plates of the tool.

[0006] Such a clearance is intended to allow the introduction of the first coupling member of the tool into the hooks of the coupler, during the tool connection phase. However, this clearance must necessarily be of relatively low value to limit the lateral movement of the tool relative to the coupler during the working phases.

[0007] However, it happens that the tool to be connected is angularly offset from its ideal position with respect to the coupler, ideal position in which the axis of the first coupling member is exactly parallel to the axis of the hooks. This angular offset can exist in different planes. It can result from a misalignment between the tool and the coupler of the machine and / or from the fact that the tool is not resting on horizontal ground.

[0008] When the geometric docking conditions are thus degraded or unfavorable, mechanical blockages can occur between the tool and the coupler which are a source of loss of time but also of damage to the surfaces in contact on the tool and on the coupler, despite the presence of the clearance.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy this problem.

[0010] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a coupler intended to be mounted at the end of an arm of a work machine and designed to connect to a tool, the tool comprising at least a first coupling member, such as a trunnion, and a plate fixed to each end part of the first coupling member, orthogonally to said first coupling member.

[0011] The coupler comprises a body having a median plane and comprising two hooks arranged on either side of said median plane, said hooks defining a first housing configured to receive the first coupling member of the tool. Each hook comprises an opening for the passage of the first coupling member, a lower branch, an upper branch and a bottom wall opposite the opening, and has an inner face facing the first housing, an inner face facing the median plane and an outer face opposite the inner face. In the position of use, the first coupling member is located in an operational zone of the first housing, said operational zone having an axis orthogonal to the median plane, called the axis of the first housing, the plates of the tool being parallel to the median plane of the body.In addition, each hook comprises a functional face which is, among the internal face and the external face, the one intended to be positioned adjacent to one of the plates of the tool, the functional face having a mean plane parallel to the median plane and having an edge which runs along the first housing.

[0012] According to a general definition of the invention, said functional face comprises: - a first zone which extends from the edge of the functional face, radially in the direction away from the axis of the first housing, to a first line, said first zone being substantially flat and parallel to the median plane and forming a portion of a ring around the operational zone, - a second zone which extends from the first line to a second line, radially in the direction away from the axis of the first housing and in the direction of the mean plane of the functional face, forming a portion cone or dome centered on the axis of the first housing.

[0013] The first and second zones therefore form a part of the functional face which is protruding, in particular protruding relative to the mean plane of the functional face, and this in the direction of the plate of the tool intended to be positioned adjacent to said functional face. The cone or the dome, a part of which forms the second zone, converges in the direction going from the mean plane of the functional face to the plane in which the first zone extends.

[0014] Thus, during the tool connection phase, if the tool is not in its ideal position with respect to the coupler but angularly offset from this ideal position, the plates of the tool come into contact with the second zone of the functional face which, due to its shape and its direction of convergence, tends to move said plates by bringing the tool back to its ideal position. The second zone therefore forms a positioning zone when the first coupling member of the tool is placed in the first housing of the coupler.

[0015] Then, once the tool is in the position of use, it is the first zones of the functional face which are in contact - with a slight transverse clearance, for example of the order of 1 to a few mm - with the plates of the tool. The first zones being flat, there is thus a flat contact between the functional face and each plate of the tool, which guarantees lateral support while avoiding or considerably limiting the matting and wear of these parts during the working phases. The first zone therefore forms a zone of cooperation with the tool in the position of use.

[0016] By "cone" is meant a surface defined by a straight line passing through a fixed point located on the axis of the first housing and a variable point describing a curve, which may be a circle. By "dome" is meant a curved surface, such as, for example, a spherical cap or a shape obtained by rotating a parabola around its axis of symmetry.

[0017] The invention therefore makes it easier to place the first coupling means of the tool in the correct position in the first housing of the coupler, avoiding jamming, even if the tool has an angular offset relative to its ideal docking position. Thanks to the invention, it is not necessary for this purpose for the tool to be initially positioned extremely precisely relative to the coupler.

[0018] The body of the coupler may comprise two sides arranged parallel to and on either side of the median plane of the body.

[0019] In one embodiment, it could be envisaged that, in the position of use, the flanks of the coupler and the plates of the tool are partially adjacent two by two. The plates of the tool and the flanks of the coupler are generally flat and large faces, which would require very precise positioning without the invention. of the tool relative to the coupler to avoid any jamming during the tool connection phase.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the functional face is the external face of the hook. The hooks of the coupler are then engaged between the plates of the tool, these plates preferably being fixed to the ends of the first coupling member. In this case, the second zone extends from the first line to a second line, radially in the direction away from the axis of the first housing and in the direction of the median plane of the coupler. In other words, the second zone forms a portion of a cone or dome which converges in the direction away from the median plane of the body, that is to say in the external direction, towards a point located on the axis of the first housing.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the functional face is the internal face of the hook. The hooks of the coupler are then placed on either side of the plates of the tool, on the external side thereof. For example, the first coupling member projects laterally from the plates to be able to engage in the first housing defined by the hooks. In this case, the direction of convergence of the second zone is reversed compared to the embodiment where the functional face is the external face of the hook. Concretely, the second zone extends from the first line to a second line, radially in the direction away from the axis of the first housing and in the direction away from the median plane of the body. In other words, the second zone forms a portion of a cone or dome which converges in the direction of the median plane of the body, that is to say in the internal direction, towards a point located on the axis of the first housing.

[0022] Preferably, the first zone is continuous, that is to say it is not formed of portions separated from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the second zone is preferably continuous.

[0023] According to a possible embodiment, the first zone extends around the operational zone over at least a portion of each of the lower branch, the upper branch and the bottom wall.

[0024] The first zone may extend around the operational zone over an angle of between 160° and 200°. This angle is for example of the order of 180°; in this case, the first zone extends over substantially the entire perimeter of the operational zone which is located on the hook.

[0025] The edge of the functional face may comprise a portion of a circle centered on the axis of the first housing.

[0026] The first line may comprise a first part which extends over the lower branch and over the bottom wall of the hook. This first part may be a portion of a circle centered on the axis of the first housing, the diameter of which is between 1.2 and 1.6 times the diameter of the portion of the circle forming at least partly the edge of the functional face.

[0027] According to a possible embodiment, the second zone extends around the operational zone over at least a portion of each of the lower branch and the bottom wall. It is possible to envisage that the second zone does not extend over the upper branch of the hook.

[0028] The second line may comprise a portion which extends over the lower branch and over the bottom wall of the hook. This portion may comprise a portion of a circle centered on the axis of the first housing, the diameter of which is between 2 and 4 times the diameter of the portion of a circle forming at least partly the edge of the functional face.

[0029] For example, the second zone is a portion of a cone whose half-angle at the apex is between 80 and 85°.

[0030] It may be provided that the end portion of the upper and / or lower branch of each hook comprises, on the side of the functional face, a sector which is set back, in the direction of the mean plane, relative to the portion of the functional face which is adjacent to said sector. This sector has a bottom face which is preferably inclined in the direction of the mean plane, in the direction of and up to the end of the branch concerned. In particular, the inclination of the bottom face of this sector may be greater than the inclination of the cone or dome portion of the functional face. Such a sector may form a ramp or a chamfer facilitating the insertion of the first coupling member, even when the latter is presented obliquely at the level of the opening of the hooks.

[0031] Preferably, the body comprises additional connecting means, arranged on either side of the median plane of the body and distinct from the hooks, which are configured to cooperate with a second coupling member provided on the tool and distinct from the first coupling member. With such a configuration, it can be provided that the body comprises a peripheral zone bordering each of said additional connecting means, each peripheral zone being substantially planar and located in the same plane as the first zone of the functional face of the corresponding hook, which is located on the same side of the median plane.

[0032] The fact that said peripheral zone is flat does not harm a connection without jamming problems. Indeed, once the first coupling member is mounted in the first housing of the coupler, any initial angular offset between the tool and the body has been corrected and there can no longer be any jamming during this subsequent step. The flatness also makes it possible to ensure lateral support of the tool relative to the coupler without matting or wear of the facing faces during the working phases.

[0033] The second coupling member may consist of a journal, but not necessarily ably. According to one embodiment, the first and second coupling members may be parallel cylindrical bars of the same diameter, thus allowing the connection of the tool to the coupler in two opposite directions.

[0034] The peripheral zone and the functional face of the corresponding hook form, for example, a single continuous flat surface. In other words, with this embodiment, there is no interruption between said peripheral zone and the functional face, which are connected by a flat junction zone.

[0035] The coupler may comprise two flanks arranged parallel to and on either side of the median plane of the body. According to a possible embodiment, each of the additional connecting means comprises a notch provided in one of the flanks, the notches forming a second housing, distinct from the first housing, configured to receive the second coupling member, such as a journal.

[0036] The functional face could then be one of the faces of a flank of the coupler.

[0037] The invention also relates to a construction machine, in particular a public works machine, such as a hydraulic excavator. The machine comprises an arm and a coupler as previously described, said coupler being mounted at the end of the arm.

[0038] The invention also relates to a quick-attach assembly for a tool on the end of an arm of a work machine. The quick-attach assembly comprises a coupler as previously described and a tool which comprises at least a first coupling member capable of being received in the first housing of the coupler and a plate fixed to each end part of the first coupling member, orthogonally to said first coupling member, each of said plates being intended to be positioned adjacent to one of the functional faces of the hook.

[0039] The functional face is for example the external face of the hook, the hooks of the coupler being engaged between the plates of the tool.

[0040] A possible embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended figures:

[0041] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a portion of the arm of a work machine equipped with a quick-attach assembly comprising a coupler according to one embodiment of the invention and a tool connected to the coupler;

[0042] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the coupler and the tool, not connected to each other;

[0043] [Fig.3] is a side view of the coupler body;

[0044] [Fig.4] is a sectional view of the coupler body, along line AA of [Fig.3];

[0045] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the coupler body, along line BB of [Fig.3];

[0046] [Fig.6] is a detailed view of the coupler body, according to arrow F of [Fig.3];

[0047] [Fig.7] illustrates a tool being connected to the coupler, the tool having a first angular offset from its ideal position relative to the coupler;

[0048] [Fig-8] is a sectional view along line CC of [Fig.7];

[0049] [Fig.9] and [Fig. 10] are perspective detail views of a quick coupling assembly, from two different sides, where the first coupling member of the tool is arranged in the first housing of the coupler obliquely;

[0050] [Fig. 11] is a detail view of [Fig.8];

[0051] [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 13] show the cooperation of the functional face of each coupler hook with the tool being connected, the tool having said first angular offset;

[0052] [Fig. 14] is a view similar to [Fig. 11] once the tool is in the mounted position in the first housing of the coupler;

[0053] [Fig. 15] illustrates a tool being connected to the coupler, the tool having a second angular offset from its ideal position relative to the coupler;

[0054] [Fig. 16] is a sectional view along line DD of [Fig. 15].

[0055] [Fig.l] represents a tool 1 - here a bucket - connected to an arm 2 of a public works machine (not shown) by means of a quick coupling assembly 3. This quick coupling assembly 3 comprises a connection device 4 fixed on the tool 1 and a coupler 5 which is mounted at the end of the arm 2 and which is designed to connect to the tool 1, more specifically to the connection device 4 fixed on the tool 1.

[0056] As seen in [Fig.2], the tool 1 comprises a first coupling member 11 and preferably a second coupling member 12. The coupling members 11, 12 are male members, here cylindrical bars having an axis A11, respectively A12. The axes A11 and A12 are preferably parallel to each other. The coupling members 11, 12 are mounted between two plates 13 of the tool 1, the plates being parallel to each other and orthogonal to the axes A11 and A12. According to one embodiment, the coupling members 11, 12 are parallel cylindrical bars of the same diameter, which has the advantage of allowing the connection of the tool 1 to the coupler in both directions, that is to say, in the case of a bucket, with the bucket open towards the machine or away from the machine.

[0057] Other embodiments of the second coupling member can be envisaged.

[0058] Tool 1 has a median plane PI which is orthogonal to the axes A11, A12 and which can be a plane of symmetry (see [Fig.l]).

[0059] Each of the plates 13 comprises an internal face 14, facing the plane PI, and an external face 16 opposite the internal face 14.

[0060] The coupler 5 comprises a body 20 having a median plane P20 (see [Fig.2]) which can be a plane of symmetry.

[0061] According to a possible embodiment, the body 20 comprises two flanges 30 which are preferably parallel to each other and to the median plane P20. As seen in [Fig.5], each flange 30 may have two faces which are substantially flat and parallel to the median plane P20.

[0062] In the upper part of the coupler 5, two shafts 31 are oriented orthogonally to the flanges 30 and arranged between the flanges 30, for connection to an orientation system 6 of the coupler 5 arranged on the arm 2 of the machine. Each flange 30 comprises a receiving element 32 for each of the shafts 31, such as a sleeve or an orifice.

[0063] The body 20 comprises two hooks 35 which are arranged on either side of the median plane P20. The hooks 35 are preferably identical and spaced from each other in the direction orthogonal to the median plane P20. The hooks 35 define a first housing 21 configured to receive the first coupling member 11 of the tool 1. The first housing 21 is preferably located in the lower part of the coupler 5.

[0064] According to a possible embodiment, the body 20 comprises two flanks 50 which are preferably parallel to each other and to the median plane P20, each flank 50 extending parallel to one of the flanges 30 and in the extension thereof, downwards. Each hook 35 can be arranged in one of the flanks 50.

[0065] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 3], each hook 35 has an opening 24 for the passage of the first coupling member 11 towards the inside of the housing 21 during a connection phase of the tool 1, and outside the housing 21 during a disconnection phase of the tool 1. Each hook 35 also has a lower branch 25, an upper branch 26 and a bottom wall 27 opposite the opening 24. The hook 35 can thus have the overall shape of a U. In addition, each hook 35 has an inner face 28 facing the first housing 21, an inner face 34 facing the median plane P20 and an outer face 36 opposite the inner face 34. An inner edge, respectively an outer edge, is defined between the inner face 28 and the inner face 34, respectively the outer face 36, of the hook 35.

[0066] The first housing 21 has an operational zone 23 which is the zone where the first coupling member 11 is located in the mounted position of the tool 1 on the arm 2, that is to say in the use position, the tool 1 being ready for the working phase. The tool 1 is then in the normal, correct position, that is to say without angular offset relative to the coupler 5, the plates 13 of the tool 1 being parallel to the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5.

[0067] The operational zone 23 has an axis orthogonal to the median plane P20, which is called axis A21 of the first housing 21 for the purposes of simplification. The operational zone 23 is for example adjacent to the bottom wall 27.

[0068] Preferably, the body 20 comprises additional connecting means which are arranged on either side of the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5. These means additional connecting hooks are distinct from the hooks 35 and are configured to cooperate with the second coupling member 12 provided on the tool 1, for example a trunnion.

[0069] According to one embodiment, each of the additional connecting means comprises a notch provided in one of the flanks 50, the notches forming a second housing 22 distinct from the first housing 21. The second housing 22 has an axis A22 which is substantially parallel to the axis A21 of the first housing 21.

[0070] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the following directions are defined relative to the coupler 5: - the transverse direction Y is the direction of the axis A21 and of the axis A22 (when the body 20 comprises a second housing 22); - The longitudinal direction X is the direction orthogonal to the axes A21 and A22; it may substantially correspond to the displacement direction of the first coupling member 11 between the opening 24 and the operating zone 23 of the first housing 21; - The direction Z is the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0071] When the vehicle is resting on a substantially flat and horizontal ground, with a tool 1 mounted on the arm 2 and in the neutral position, as illustrated in [Fig.1]: the longitudinal direction X is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; the transverse direction Y is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the transverse direction of the vehicle; the direction Z is vertical.

[0072] The description is made with reference to this spatial configuration, it being specified that an operator can orient the tool 1 differently relative to the arm 2 by acting on the orientation system 6 of the tool 1.

[0073] With this spatial configuration, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the X direction and to a forward movement of the machine. The term "lateral" is used with reference to the Y direction, as are the terms "internal" and "external", the term "internal" designating a component closer to the median axis P20 of the body 20 than a component described as "external". The terms "upper", "lower", "top" and the like are used with reference to the Z direction.

[0074] The machine has a median plane P parallel to a plane (X,Z). The opening 24 of the first housing 21 is located for example towards the machine, that is to say towards the rear, while the second housing 22 can be in the form of two notches each formed in the lower and front part of the sides 50. Each notch can have an upper face 37 generally parallel to a plane (X,Y) and a bottom face 38 generally parallel to a plane (Y,Z), connected by a fillet 39.

[0075] We note P' the plane orthogonal to the median plane P20 and passing through the axes A21 and A22 of the first and second housings 21, 22.

[0076] The mounted position of the first member 11 in the first housing 21 is defined as the configuration where the first coupling member 11 is located in the operational zone 23, without angular offset between the median planes P1 of the tool 1 and P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5. In this position, the axes A1 1 of the first coupling member 11 and A21 of the first housing 21 are substantially coincident.

[0077] The mounted position of the first member 11 in the first housing 21 may correspond to the position reached after a first step of the connection phase of the tool 1, even if other steps are required subsequently to finalize the connection of the tool 1. Thus, in said mounted position of the first member 11 in the first housing 21, the first member 11 may occupy the same position as that which it occupies in the use position, once the connection of the tool 1 has been finalized.

[0078] In particular, the connection phase of the tool 1 may include a second step consisting of placing the second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22, so that the axes A12 of the second coupling member 12 and A22 of the second housing 22 are substantially coincident, then a third step of locking the second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22, by means of a locking system (not shown) mounted on the body 20 of the coupler 5.

[0079] In the position of use, each of the plates 13 of the tool is positioned adjacent to one of the hooks 35, with a slight clearance. The hooks 35 ensure centering of the tool 1 in the coupler 5, in the transverse direction Y. Preferably, the external face 36 of each hook 35 is located either substantially in the same plane (X,Z) as the external face of the corresponding flank 50, or offset in the transverse direction Y, so as to be the face of the coupler 5 which comes into contact with the plate 13 of the tool 1.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the hooks 35 of the coupler 5 are positioned between the plates 13 of the tool 1. In this case, in the position of use, each of the internal faces 14 of the plates 13 is adjacent to the external face 36 of the corresponding hook 35.

[0081] The following description will be made in connection with this embodiment, it being specified that the reverse embodiment - where the hooks 35 of the coupler 5 are positioned on either side and on the external side of the plates 13 of the tool 1 - is also conceivable.

[0082] Each hook 35 comprises a functional face which is intended to be positioned adjacent to one of the plates 13 of the tool 1 and which is therefore here the external face 36 of the hook 35. In the description which follows, the terms of “functional face”, these being replaced by the terms “external face”. In the aforementioned reverse embodiment, the functional face is the internal face 34 of the hook 35.

[0083] The outer face 36 has a mean plane P36 parallel to the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5. The outer face 36 has an edge 40 that runs along the first housing 21 and that corresponds to the outer edge defined between the inner face 28 and the outer face 36 of the hook 35. The edge 40 of the outer face 36 may include a circular portion that is centered on the axis A21 of the first housing 21 and that has a diameter D40.

[0084] The outer face 36 includes a first zone 41 that extends from the edge 40 of the outer face 36, radially in the direction of moving away from the axis A21 of the first housing 21, up to a first line 51. The first zone 41 is substantially flat and extends in a plane P41 that is parallel to the median plane P20 of the body of the coupler 5.

[0085] The first zone 41 forms a portion of a ring around the operational zone 23. For example, the first zone 41 extends around the operational zone 23 over at least a portion of each of the lower branch 25, the upper branch 26 and the bottom wall 27. The first zone 41 may extend around the operational zone 23 over an angle of between 160° and 200°, for example of the order of 180°, as seen in [Fig. 3]. For example, the two ends 53 of the ring formed by the first zone 41 extend substantially in the same plane (Y,Z).

[0086] The first line 51 may comprise a first part 51a which extends over the lower branch 25 and over the bottom wall 27 of the hook 35, said first part 51a being a portion of a circle which is centered on the axis A21 of the first housing 21 and which has a diameter D51 of between 1.2 and 1.6 times the diameter D40. For example, D51 may be close to 1.4 x D40.

[0087] The first part 51a of the first line 51 therefore forms a first curvature. For example, the first line 51 further comprises a second part 51b situated in the extension of the first part 51a, having a second curvature, arranged in the opposite direction to the first curvature, and extending opposite the first housing 21, the first line 51 thus having an S shape.

[0088] The external face 36 also comprises a second zone 42 which extends from the first line 51 to a second line 52, radially in the direction away from the axis A21 of the first housing 21 and in the direction of the mean plane P36 of the external face 36, that is to say in the direction of the mean plane P20 of the body of the coupler 5, that is to say on the internal side. In addition, the second zone 42 forms a portion of cone centered on the axis A21 of the first housing 21. In other words, the cone of which a portion forms the second zone 42 converges towards a point on the axis A21 of the first housing 21, located on the external side of the coupler 5.

[0089] For example, the second zone 42 extends around the operational zone 23 over at least a portion of each of the lower branch 25 and the bottom wall 27. The second zone 42 may extend from the lower branch 25 over approximately half of the bottom wall 27, up to a line 54 which extends for example substantially in a plane (X,Y) containing the axis A21 of the first housing 21.

[0090] As seen in Figures 4 and 6, the second zone 42 may be a portion of a cone whose half-angle at the apex a is between 80 and 85°.

[0091] The second line 52 may comprise a part which extends over the lower branch 25 and over the bottom wall 27 of the hook 35, said part comprising a portion of a circle which is centered on the axis A21 of the first housing 21 and which has a diameter D52 of between 2 and 4 times the diameter D40. For example, D52 may be close to 3 x D40.

[0092] Between the first and second lines 51, 52, and beyond the line 54, the second zone 42 may be extended by a third zone 43. Just like the second zone 42, the third zone 43 is located on the internal side relative to the first zone 4L. The third zone 43 may have a concave shape.

[0093] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the end part of the upper branch 26 (i.e. opposite the bottom wall 27) of each hook 35 comprises, on the side of the external face 36, a sector 46 which is set back, in the direction of the mean plane P36 of the external face 36, relative to the part of the external face 36 which is adjacent to said sector 46. As a variant or in addition, in a similar manner, the end part of the lower branch 25 of each hook 35 comprises, on the side of the external face 36, a sector 45 which is set back.

[0094] Each sector 45, 46 has a bottom face which is preferably inclined towards the mean plane P36 of the external face 36, that is to say towards the mean plane P20 of the body of the coupler 5, that is to say on the internal side, up to the end of the branch concerned 25, 26. The inclination of the bottom face of each sector 45, 46 is preferably greater than the inclination of the cone or dome portion of the external face 36, so as to facilitate the start of the introduction of the first coupling member 11 into the first housing 21.

[0095] Furthermore, each of the notches forming the second housing 22 is bordered by a peripheral zone 44 which is substantially flat and located in the same plane P41 as the first zone 41 of the external face 36 of the corresponding hook 35, as seen in [Fig. 4]. Preferably, a junction zone 47 may be provided between the first zone 41 and the peripheral zone 44, these zones 47, 41, 44 forming a single continuous flat surface. The junction zone 47 may be located above a area of ​​the corresponding flank 50 which forms a recess.

[0096] In an ideal situation, when connecting the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine, the coupler 5 is brought close to the tool 1 placed on a flat and horizontal ground, the plane PI of the tool 1 and the plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5 being the same. The hooks 35 are then engaged around the first coupling member 11, between the plates 13, the axis A21 of the first housing 21 defined by the hooks 35 and the axis A11 of the first coupling member 11 being parallel and oriented in the transverse direction Y defined relative to the coupler 5. In this case, the connection of the tool 1 to the coupler 5 is carried out without risk of jamming.

[0097] We now refer to figures 7 to 14 which illustrate the tool 1 and the coupler 5 during a connection phase, when the tool 1 is angularly offset relative to its ideal docking position with respect to the coupler 5, according to a first type of angular offset.

[0098] As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, at the start of the connection phase, the axis Al 1 is indeed located in a horizontal plane (X,Y), but on the other hand it is angularly offset by an angle [3 relative to the transverse direction Y defined relative to the coupler 5. In other words, the median plane PI of the tool 1 is offset relative to the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5, angularly around the vertical direction Z, by an angle [3.

[0099] When the first coupling member 11 engages in the first housing 21, it is positioned obliquely, as seen in Figures 8 to 11.

[0100] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the permissible angular limit for docking the tool 1 in the hooks 35 of the coupler 5 is defined by the collaboration between: - on the one hand the point 100 defined by the intersection between the plane P' and the edge 40 of the external face 36 of a hook 35, and the internal face 14 of the corresponding plate 13, on a first side of the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5 ([Fig.9]); - and on the other hand the point 200 defined by the intersection between the inner face 28 of the hook 35, at the level of the lower branch 25, and the edge 40 of the outer face 36 of a hook 35, and the inner face 14 of the corresponding plate 13, on a second side of the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5 ([Fig. 10]).

[0101] It is possible for the first member 11 to occupy an oblique position because: - on the first side of the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5 ([Fig. 13]), a part of the plate 13 of the tool 1 located towards the opening 24 of the first housing 21 is housed in the sector 46 arranged set back on the external face 36 of the hook 35, at the level of the upper branch 26; - and, on the second side of the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5 ([Fig. 12] ), a part of the plate 13 of the tool 1 located towards the bottom wall of the first housing 21 27, that is to say opposite the opening 24, is housed in the hollow space created by the second zone 42, which is set back relative to the first zone 41 of the external face 36 of the hook 35.

[0102] Around the operational zone 23 in which the first coupling member 11 is partially inserted, obliquely, the cone shape centered on the axis A21 of the first housing 21 and converging towards the adjacent plate 13 of the tool 1 ensures guidance of the first coupling member 11 from its angularly offset position ([Fig. 11]) to the correct mounting position ([Fig. 14]). This results in a natural alignment of the axes A1 1 and A21, without blocking or jamming, and without damage to the surfaces which cooperate during this connection phase. Indeed, when the arm 2 of the machine lifts the tool 1 from the ground, the first coupling member 11 of the tool 1 falls by gravity to the bottom of the hooks 35, in the operational zone 23 of the first housing 21, without risk of jamming obliquely, on the diagonal defined by the points 100, 200.

[0103] Furthermore, in the correctly mounted position of the first coupling member 11, for each hook 25, the first flat zone 41 of the external face 36 cooperates with the internal face 14 of the corresponding plate 13 of the tool 1. The flat contact between these surfaces makes it possible to guarantee lateral support of the tool 1 relative to the coupler 5 without matting or wear of the surfaces which cooperate during the working phases.

[0104] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to mount the tool 1 correctly in the first housing 21 from a degraded position where the angle [3 is substantially between -5° and +5° approximately, and this without any jamming occurring.

[0105] We now refer to figures 15 and 16 which illustrate the tool 1 and the coupler 5 during a connection phase, when the tool 1 is angularly offset relative to its ideal docking position with respect to the coupler 5, according to a second type of angular offset.

[0106] At the start of the connection phase, the median plane PI of the tool 1 is offset relative to the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5, angularly about the longitudinal direction X, by an angle y. This misalignment can typically occur when the tool 1 is placed on a non - horizontal floor.

[0107] Similar to what has just been described, thanks to the second area 42 provided on the outer face 36 of each hook 35 and which cooperates with the inner face 14 of the corresponding plate 13 of the tool 1, during the lifting of the tool 1 there is a natural alignment of the axis Al 1 of the first coupling member 11, initially positioned obliquely, and of the axis A21 of the first housing 21. This is achieved without jamming.

[0108] Then, during the working phase, it is the first area 41 provided on the outer face 36 of each hook 35 which is adjacent to the internal face 14 of the corresponding plate 13 of the tool 1. The flatness of the first zone 41 guarantees the quality of the contact, without matting or wear, during the working phases.

[0109] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to mount the tool 1 correctly in the first housing 21 from a degraded position where the angle y is between approximately -5° and +5°, and this without any jamming occurring.

[0110] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above as an example but that it includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Claims

1. Coupler (5) intended to be mounted at the end of an arm (2) of a work machine and designed to connect to a tool (1), the tool (1) comprising at least one first coupling member (11), such as a trunnion, and a plate (13) fixed to each end part of the first coupling member (11), orthogonally to said first coupling member (11), the coupler (5) comprising a body (20) having a median plane (P20) and comprising two hooks (35) arranged on either side of said median plane (P20), said hooks (35) defining a first housing (21) configured to receive the first coupling member (11) of the tool (1), each hook (35) comprising an opening (24) for the passage of the first coupling member (11), a lower branch (25), an upper branch (26) and a bottom wall (27) opposite the opening (24), and having an inner face (28) facing the first housing (21),an internal face (34) facing the median plane (P20) and an external face (36) opposite the internal face (34), where, in the position of use, the first coupling member (11) is located in an operational zone (23) of the first housing (21), said operational zone (23) having an axis orthogonal to the median plane (P20), called axis (A21) of the first housing (21), the plates (13) of the tool (1) being parallel to the median plane (P20) of the body (20), each hook (35) comprising a functional face which is, among the internal face (34) and the external face (36), the one intended to be positioned adjacent to one of the plates (13) of the tool (1), the functional face having a median plane (P36) parallel to the median plane (P20) and having an edge (40) which runs along the first housing (21), characterized in that said functional face comprises :, - a first zone (41) which extends from the edge (40) of the functional face, radially in the direction away from the axis (A21) of the first housing (21), to a first line (51), said first zone (41) being substantially planar and parallel to the median plane (P20) and forming a portion of a ring around the operational zone (23), - a second zone (42) which extends from the first line (51) to a second line (52), radially in the direction away from the axis (A21) of the first housing (21) and in the direction of the median plane (P36) of the functional face, forming a portion of cone or dome centered on the axis (A21) of the first housing (21).

2. Coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the first zone (41) extends around the operational zone (23) over at least a part of each of the lower branch (25), the upper branch (26) and the bottom wall (27).

3. Coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first zone (41) extends around the operating zone (23) at an angle between 160° and 200°, for example of the order of 180°.

4. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the edge (40) of the functional face has a circular portion centered on the axis (A21) of the first housing (21), and has a diameter D40, and in that the first line (51) has a first part (51a) which extends on the lower branch (25) and on the bottom wall (27) of the hook (35), said first part (51a) being a circular portion centered on the axis (A21) of the first housing (21), and having a diameter D51 between 1.2 and 1.6 times D40.

5. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second zone (42) extends around the operational zone (23) over at least a part of each of the lower branch (25) and the bottom wall (27).

6. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the edge (40) of the functional face comprises a portion of a circle centered on the axis (A21) of the first housing (21), and has a diameter D40, and in that the second line (52) comprises a part which extends over the lower branch (25) and over the bottom wall (27) of the hook (35), said part being a portion of a circle centered on the axis (A21) of the first housing (21), and having a diameter D52 of between 2 and 4 times D40.

7. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second zone (42) is a portion of cone whose half-angle at the apex (a) is between 80 and 85°.

8. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the end part of the upper (26) and / or lower (25) branch of each hook (35) comprises, on the side of the functional face, a sector (45, 46) which is set back, in the direction of the mean plane (P36), relative to the part of the functional face which is adjacent to said sector (45, 46), said sector (45, 46) having a bottom face which is preferably inclined in the direction of the mean plane (P36), in the direction of and to the end of the branch (25, 26) concerned.

9. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the functional face is the external face (36) of the hook (35), the second zone (42) forming a portion of cone or dome which converges in the direction of distance from the median plane (P20) of the body (20).

10. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the functional face is the internal face (34) of the hook (35), the second zone (42) forming a portion of cone or dome which converges in the direction of the median plane (P20) of the body (20).

11. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the body (20) comprises additional connecting means, arranged on either side of the median plane (P20) of the body (20) and distinct from the hooks (35), which are configured to cooperate with a second coupling member (12) arranged on the tool (1) and distinct from the first coupling member (11), and in that the body (20) comprises a peripheral zone (44) bordering each of said additional connecting means, each peripheral zone (44) being substantially planar and located in the same plane (P41) as the first zone (41) of the functional face of the corresponding hook (35), which is located on the same side of the median plane (P20).

12. Coupler according to claim 11, characterized in that the peripheral zone (44) and the first zone (41) of the functional face of the corresponding hook (35) form a single continuous flat surface.

13. Coupler according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises two flanks (50) arranged parallel and on either side of the median plane (P20) of the body (20), each of the additional connecting means comprising a notch made in one of the flanks (50), the notches forming a second housing (22), separate from the first housing (21), configured to receive the second coupling member (12), such as a journal.

14. Work machine, such as a hydraulic excavator, comprising an arm (2), characterized in that it comprises a coupler (5) according to one of the preceding claims, said coupler (5) being mounted at the end of the arm (2).

15. Quick coupling assembly (3) of a tool (1) on the end of an arm (2) of a work machine, said quick coupling assembly (3) comprising a coupler (5) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and a tool (1) which comprises at least one first coupling member (11) capable of being received in the first housing (21) of the coupler (5) and a plate (13) fixed to each end part of the first coupling member (11), orthogonally to said first coupling member (11), each of said plates (13) being intended to be positioned adjacent to one of the functional faces of the hook (35).

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