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) comprises: - a member (100) for detecting the presence of the second journal (12) of the tool in the second housing (22), movable between an extended position and a retracted position; - a rocker arm (200) mounted movable on the detection member between a rest position and an actuating position; - an indicator device (300) which, in an active state, can provide information on correct coupling of the second journal, perceptible from the cabin. The rocker arm is moved to its actuating position when, cumulatively: - the detection member is in its retracted position; - and a bearing surface (201) of the rocker arm cooperates with a stop (404) of the correctly locked locking system; which causes the indicator device to move to its active state. Figure 6

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 manner, a coupler comprises a body comprising a first housing for receiving a first coupling member of the tool, and a second housing for receiving a second coupling member of the tool. During the tool connection phase, an operator of the machine begins by placing the first coupling member in the first housing, then places the second coupling member in the second housing, and finally proceeds to lock the second coupling member in the second housing. For this purpose, the coupler is provided with a locking system comprising at least one locking part which is movable relative to the body of the coupler between a locking position and an unlocking position.

[0005] In order to enable the operator of the machine to verify the completion of the locking process under good conditions, it is necessary to provide him with reliable information on the fact that: - on the one hand, the second coupling member is correctly placed in the second housing, this being important so that the locking can be carried out correctly, that is to say so that the locking part can cooperate appropriately with the second coupling member; - and, on the other hand, the locking part is in its locking position.

[0006] These two conditions must be met to ensure the safety of property and people during the work phases, that is to say when the tool, mounted on the arm of the machine is used.

[0007] Thus: - a locking part correctly occupying its locking position, but with the second coupling member not cooperating appropriately with the second housing, i.e. incorrectly mounted; - or a second coupling member correctly mounted in the second housing, but where the locking part is incompletely engaged with the second coupling member, i.e. has not reached its locking position;

[0008] constitute risky situations.

[0009] A fortiori, incomplete engagement of the locking part on a tool whose second coupling member does not cooperate correctly with the second housing is to be avoided.

[0010] This is why some couplers are provided with an indication system which allows the operator of the machine to ensure the correct connection of the tool.

[0011] However, known indication systems have a number of drawbacks. In particular, their structural complexity, involving high costs and increased risks of failure, can pose a significant problem in this safety context. Furthermore, the information provided to the operator can be difficult to grasp quickly, which is obviously not desirable.

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0013] 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 coupler comprising: - a body comprising a first housing for receiving a first coupling member provided on the tool, and a second housing, separate from the first housing, for receiving a second coupling member provided on the tool and separate from the first coupling member; - a system for locking the second coupling member in the second housing, the locking system comprising at least one locking part which is movable relative to the body of the coupler between a locking position, in which the second coupling member is held in the second housing, and an unlocking position, in which the second coupling member is free to exit the second housing; - an indication system configured to provide information relating to the state of the coupling between the second coupling member and the second housing, said information being perceptible by an operator from a cabin of the construction machine.

[0014] According to a general definition of the invention, the indication system comprises: - a detection member, for detecting the presence of the second coupling member in the second housing, mounted movably on the body of the coupler between an extended position and a retracted position, and a first return means, the detection member being urged by the first return means towards its extended position in which said detection member projects into the second housing, the detection member being able to be moved, against the force of the first return means and under the action of the second coupling member entering the second housing, until it reaches its retracted position when the second coupling member is in the mounted position in the second housing; - a rocker arm movably mounted on the detection member between a rest position and an actuating position, and a second return means, the rocker arm being urged by the second return means towards its rest position; - a stop secured to the locking part, said stop being configured to be able to cooperate with a bearing surface provided on the rocker arm when the locking part is in the locking position and, when the locking part is in the unlocking position, said stop being located at a distance from the bearing surface of the rocker arm over the entire travel of the rocker arm between its rest and actuated positions; - an indicator device which can be in an inactive state, when the rocker arm is in the rest position, or in an active state, when the rocker arm is in the actuated position, active state in which the indicator device is capable of providing said information.

[0015] In addition, the indication system is configured so that the rocker arm can be moved to its actuating position, against the force of the second return means, due to the following events, cumulatively: - the fact that the detection member is in its retracted position under the action of the second coupling member; and - the cooperation between the rocker arm bearing surface and the locking part stop when the locking part moves to and from its locking position;

[0016] the rocker arm thus causing the indicator device to switch from its inactive state to its active state.

[0017] By “mounted position” of the second coupling member in the second housing means "correctly mounted position", i.e. in which the second coupling member is positioned so as to cooperate with the second housing and, subsequently, with the locking part, as predetermined during the design of the quick coupling assembly, so as to ensure the appropriate security of the connection.

[0018] The invention makes it possible to provide the operator with unique information on the correct state of the coupling between the second coupling member and the second housing, even though this correct state of the coupling involves the occurrence of two distinct events, in other words includes two distinct conditions, namely: - the fact that the second coupling member is in the mounted position in the second housing; - and the fact that the locking part is in the locking position.

[0019] Having to take into account a single piece of information is more quickly and easily understood by the operator, which is advantageous in terms of security.

[0020] It is specified that both of the above-mentioned conditions are necessary for the information to be provided. Thus, if only one of the two conditions is met and, a fortiori, if neither of these conditions is met, said information will not be provided.

[0021] In other words, the movement of the rocker arm towards its actuating position is caused by the combination of the mechanical action of the detection member reaching its retracted position when the second coupling member reaches its raised position and the mechanical action of the stop of the locking part at the end of the locking stroke against the bearing surface of the rocker arm.

[0022] All of these movements, the result of which is that the rocker arm is in the actuating position, can be carried out solely mechanically, and do not require an electronic sensor or, consequently, an electrical connection with the cabin. This is advantageous in terms of reliability, robustness, structural simplicity and cost.

[0023] The transition of the indicator device from its inactive state to its active state, caused by the movement of the rocker arm, can also be obtained without an electronic sensor.

[0024] It is specified that the two actions leading to the movement of the rocker arm towards its actuating position, if they are cumulative, are however not simultaneous.

[0025] Concretely, according to a possible embodiment, initially, the movement of the detection member to its retracted position, under the action of the second coupling member, leads to the movement of the rocker arm from its rest position to a transition position.

[0026] In this transition position, which is neither the rest position nor the actuation position, the support surface of the rocker arm is located so as to be able to cooperate with the stop of the locking part, at the end of the locking stroke, whereas said bearing surface cannot cooperate with said stop when the rocker arm is in the rest position. For example, in the transition position, the bearing surface of the rocker arm is located on the path of the stop during the movement of the locking part between its unlocking and locking positions. On the contrary, in the rest position, the bearing surface of the rocker arm does not intersect said path of the stop; more generally, for example, no part of the rocker arm intersects said path of the stop.

[0027] Then, in a second step, the locking part is moved from its unlocking position towards its locking position. At a certain point in this movement, the locking part comes into contact with the bearing surface of the rocker arm. The position then occupied by the locking part is called the contact position. The continued movement of the locking part from this contact position to the locking position leads to the movement of the rocker arm from its transition position to its actuating position. The locking end of travel is defined as the movement of the locking part from its contact position to its locking position. For example, in this contact position, the locking part may have completed between 50% and 90% of its total movement from its unlocked position to its locked position.

[0028] The indicator device, or a portion thereof, may be biased toward its inactive state by the second or other biasing means.

[0029] The rocker arm can act directly on the indicator device, without an intermediate element.

[0030] The indicator device may comprise a movable element which is movably mounted on the rocker arm between an inactive position, corresponding to the inactive state of the indicator device, and an active position, corresponding to the active state of the indicator device. In this case, the movement of the rocker arm between its rest and actuated positions results in the movement of the movable element between its inactive and active positions.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the indicator device may consist of said movable element. In this case, the inactive state is identical to the inactive position, and the active state is identical to the active position. Thus, the rocker arm can directly actuate the component of the indicator device which provides the information (here the movable element which is the indicator device itself).

[0032] According to another embodiment, the movable element can be moved by the rocker arm and actuate an additional part of the indicator device, distinct from the movable element. Such an additional part can be an electronic or mechanical device. In other words, in this case, the rocker arm indirectly actuates the component which provides the information (namely said additional part), via the movable element, to switch the indicating device from its inactive state to its active state.

[0033] The movable element is for example mounted on the rocker arm so as to be able to rotate about an axis secured to the rocker arm.

[0034] The movable element of the indicator device may comprise an actuated part, which is the part of the movable element mounted movably on the rocker arm, and a useful part configured to provide said information, directly or via another part that it would move, or to actuate a device belonging to the indicator device and configured to provide said information. Said device may be electronic and provide the information in the form of a signal.

[0035] The movable element may be elongated and comprise a first end portion mounted on the rocker arm so as to rotate about an axis integral with the rocker arm and a second end portion mounted substantially so as to slide in a guide channel provided on the body of the coupler. Due to the rotational mounting of the first end portion, the second end portion is not driven by perfect translation, but also by a slight pivoting. The first end portion may form the actuated portion and the second end portion may form the useful portion.

[0036] Alternatively, the indicator device may be devoid of such a movable element mounted on the rocker arm. In this case, for example, the rocker arm acts directly on the component of the indicator device which provides the information, without an intermediate element, said component being able to be fixed relative to the body of the coupler. The indicator device may consist of said component which provides the information, this component being able to be an electronic or mechanical device.

[0037] According to a first embodiment, in the active state of the indicator device, at least a portion of the indicator device protrudes from the body of the coupler. Said protruding portion is therefore visible to the operator. In other words, in this case, the information relating to the correct state of the coupling is information that is directly visually perceptible.

[0038] In this case, the rocker arm moving to its actuating position may cause the indicator device to move.

[0039] Said part may for example protrude towards the cabin of the machine. Said part may be located on the same side of the coupler body as the first housing.

[0040] For example, the coupler body includes a hole through which a portion of the indicator device protrudes from the coupler body when the indicator device is in the active state, said hole preferably being located on the same side of the body as the first housing and offset from said first housing so as to be visible when the first coupling member is mounted in the first housing.

[0041] According to a second embodiment, the indicator device comprises an electronic device configured to provide said information in the form of an electrical or electronic signal when the indicator device is in the active state.

[0042] The emitted electrical or electronic signal can be transmitted to the cabin by a transmission circuit (electrical and / or data). In the cabin, the signal can be perceived by the operator by hearing (typically by the emission of a sound) or by sight (for example via a display on a screen or via a light). In other words, in this case, the information relating to the correct state of the coupling is indirectly perceptible information.

[0043] In this case, the passage of the rocker arm to its actuating position can cause a change of state of the electronic device belonging to the indicator device or the connection of the latter to the rest of the transmission circuit.

[0044] The detection member can be mounted on the body of the coupler in a manner capable of moving in rotation around an axis secured to the body of the coupler.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment, the detection member comprises a connection zone with the body of the coupler, a connection zone with the rocker arm and a contact face configured to cooperate with the second coupling member. In addition, the connection zone with the body of the coupler, the connection zone with the rocker arm and the contact face substantially form a V whose tip is formed by said connection zone with the body of the coupler and whose ends are formed one by the connection zone with the rocker arm and the other by the contact face. The detection member can thus be driven by a rocking movement caused in one direction by the second coupling member moving in the second housing and, in the other direction by the first return means.

[0046] The rocker arm can be mounted on the detection member so as to be able to rotate about an axis secured to the detection member.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment, the bearing surface of the rocker arm is located at a first end part of the rocker arm, the rocker arm comprises a connection zone with the indicator device, which is located at a second end part of the rocker arm, and the axis of rotation of the rocker arm relative to the detection member is located between the connection zone with the indicator device and the bearing surface.

[0048] The rocker arm can transmit its rotational movement to the movable element of the indicator device by transforming it into a quasi-translational movement.

[0049] The locking system may comprise a base on which the locking part is fixed and on which the stop is arranged. The assembly comprising the base, the locking part and the stop may be movable in translation relative to the body of the coupler between the locking position, where the locking part partially projects into the second housing and the unlocking position, where the locking part does not protrude into the second housing. Alternatively, said assembly could be rotatable relative to the coupler body between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0050] The axis of rotation of the movable element relative to the rocker arm, the axis of rotation of the detection member relative to the body of the coupler and the axis of rotation of the rocker arm relative to the detection member - when the coupler comprises such axes - are substantially parallel to each other, and for example oriented substantially in the transverse direction.

[0051] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a construction machine, in particular a public works machine, such as a hydraulic excavator. The machine comprises a cabin for an operator, an arm and a coupler as previously described mounted at the end of the arm.

[0052] In the case where the indicator device comprises at least one portion which projects out of the body of the coupler in the active state, said portion may project towards the cabin, so as to be visible to an operator located in the cabin. Alternatively, said portion could project from the body of the coupler laterally or vertically, for example.

[0053] In the case where the indicating device comprises an electronic device configured to provide said information in the form of an electrical or electronic signal, the indicating device may further comprise an acoustic or visual device for broadcasting or displaying the information, preferably located in the cabin, and a circuit for transmitting the electrical or electronic signal provided by the electronic device to said acoustic or visual device. In the case of an acoustic device, the latter could be located outside the cabin, as long as the sound broadcast is audible to an operator located in the cabin.

[0054] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a quick-attachment assembly for a tool on the end of an arm of a work machine, said quick-attachment assembly comprising a coupler as previously described and a tool provided with a first coupling member capable of being received in the first housing of the coupler and a second coupling member capable of being received in the second housing of the coupler.

[0055] Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures:

[0056] [Fig. 1] represents a work machine whose arm is equipped with a coupler according to an embodiment of the invention, a tool being connected to the coupler;

[0057] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the coupler and the tool, not connected to each other. the other;

[0058] [Fig.3] is a view of the coupler in section along a median plane, showing a system locking and an indication system according to a first embodiment of the invention, the indicator device being in its inactive state;

[0059] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of the locking system and the indication system of [Fig.3];

[0060] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the locking system;

[0061] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.4], the indicator device being in its active state;

[0062] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of the machine arm and tool with the indicator device in its active state;

[0063] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.4], the locking system being locked but no coupling member being present in the second housing of the coupler;

[0064] [Fig.9] is a view similar to [Fig.4], a coupling member being mounted in the second housing of the coupler but the locking system being unlocked;

[0065] [Fig. 10] illustrates the cabin of the machine and a coupler in section along a median plane, showing a locking system and an indication system according to a second embodiment of the invention, the indicator device being in its active state.

[0066] [Fig.l] represents a work machine 10 which comprises a cabin 9 in which an operator is installed and from which he carries out the controls. The machine 10 also comprises an arm 2 to which a tool 1 - here a bucket - is connected 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.

[0067] As seen in [Fig.2], the tool 1 comprises a first coupling member 11 and 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 preferably 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 5 in both directions, that is to say, in the case of a bucket, with the bucket open towards the machine 10 or away from the machine 10.

[0068] The coupler 5 comprises a body 20 having a median plane P20 (see [Fig.2]) which can be a plane of symmetry.

[0069] 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. 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.

[0070] According to a possible embodiment, the body 20 comprises two flanks 33 which are preferably parallel to each other and to the median plane P20, each flank 33 extending parallel to one of the flanges 30 and in the extension thereof, downwards.

[0071] The body 20 comprises a first housing 21 for receiving the first coupling member 11 of the tool 1. The first housing 21 is preferably located in the lower part of the coupler 5. 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, ready for the working phase. 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 first housing 21 also has an opening 24 for the passage of the first coupling member 11 towards the operational zone 23 during a connection phase of the tool 1, and out of the housing 21 during a disconnection phase of the tool 1.

[0072] The first housing 21 may be formed by at least one hook 35, and preferably by two identical hooks 35 spaced from each other in the direction orthogonal to the flanks 33. Each hook 35 may be arranged in one of the flanks 33. Other embodiments of the first housing 21 are however possible.

[0073] The body 20 also comprises a second housing 22, distinct from the first housing 21, for receiving the second coupling member 12 of the tool 1. The second housing 22 has an axis A22 which is substantially parallel to the axis A21 of the first housing 21.

[0074] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the following directions are defined relative to the coupler 5: - the transverse direction Y is the direction of the A21 axis and the A22 axis; - the longitudinal direction X is the direction orthogonal to the axes A21 and A22; it can correspond substantially to the direction of movement of the first coupling member 11 between the opening 24 and the operational zone 23 of the first housing 21; - the Z direction is the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

[0075] When the machine 10 rests on a substantially flat and horizontal ground, with a tool 1 mounted on the arm 2 and in neutral position, as illustrated in [Fig.l]: the longitudinal direction X is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the machine 10; the transverse direction Y is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the transverse direction of the machine 10; the direction Z is vertical.

[0076] 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.

[0077] With this spatial configuration, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the X direction and to forward movement of the machine; the term "lateral" is used with reference to the Y direction; the terms "upper", "lower", "up" and the like are used with reference to the Z direction.

[0078] The machine 10 may have a median plane parallel to a plane (X,Z). The opening 24 of the first housing 21 is located for example towards the machine 10, that is to say towards the rear, while the second housing 22 may be in the form of two notches each formed in the lower and front part of the sides 33. Each notch may 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.

[0079] The phase of connecting the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine 10 may comprise a first step of placing the first coupling member 11 in the first housing 21 to a mounted position where the axis A11 of the first coupling member 11 is substantially coincident with the axis A21 of the first housing 21. The coupler 5 may comprise a system for retaining the first coupling member 11 in the first housing 21. Then, during a second step, the second coupling member 12 is placed in the second housing 22 until it reaches the mounted position - that is to say the correctly mounted position - in which the second coupling member 12 is in contact with the upper face 37 of the second housing 22. Finally, it is a question of locking the tool 1 in this position.

[0080] For this purpose, the coupler 5 comprises a locking system 400 of the second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22. Said system is called a “locking system” for the sake of simplification, but those skilled in the art will understand that it is a locking / unlocking system.

[0081] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 5], the locking system 400 comprises at least one locking part 401, and preferably two substantially identical locking parts 401 spaced from each other along the transverse direction Y. The locking part 401 may be in the form of an arm which extends longitudinally and the end part of which located on the side of the second housing 22 has a shape adapted to that of the second coupling member 12. For example, said end part of the locking part 401 has a rounded notch 402 which is open upwards.

[0082] The locking part 401 may occupy a locking position, as illustrated in [Fig.6], in which the second coupling member 12 is held in the second housing 22. For example, a portion of the locking part 401 comprising at least the notch 402 protrudes into the second housing 22, the notch 402 being substantially opposite the upper face 37 of the corresponding notch.

[0083] The locking part 401 is movable relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5 between the locking position and an unlocking position, illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3]. In this unlocking position, the second coupling member 12 is free to come out of the second housing 22. For example, in the unlocking position, the locking part 401 does not protrude into the second housing 22.

[0084] In the embodiment shown by way of example, the locking part 401 is movable in translation relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5, along the longitudinal direction X. In the case where the locking system 400 comprises two locking parts 401, these can be secured by means of a base 403 fixed to the end part of each locking part 401, opposite the second housing 22.

[0085] The movement of the locking part(s) 401 can be controlled by an operator, typically from the cabin 9 of the machine 10. For this purpose, the coupler 5 may comprise a jack (not shown) comprising a movable rod secured to the locking part(s) 401, for example via the base 403. The jack, or any other actuator (in particular mechanical or hydraulic), can be controlled by the operator.

[0086] On the base 403 is provided a stop 404. Concretely, for example, an appendage 405 integral with the base 403 projects from the base 403, in the same direction as the locking pieces 401 and between them. The appendage 405 may extend over only a portion of the length (along the longitudinal direction X) of the locking pieces 401, for example over 20% to 50% of the length of the locking pieces 401. The stop 404 is formed by the end part of the appendage 405.

[0087] The coupler 5 comprises an indication system 500 configured to provide information relating to the correct state of the coupling between the second coupling member 12 and the second housing 22, said information being perceptible by an operator from the cabin 9 of the machine 10.

[0088] The indication system 500 comprises a detection member 100 for detecting the presence of the second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22. The detection member 100 is mounted in a movably manner on the body 20 of the coupler 5, here in rotation about an axis A100 secured to the body 20 of the coupler 5. The detection member 100 can thus be moved between an extended position, illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3], in which said detection member 100 projects into the second housing 22, and a retracted position, illustrated in particular in [Fig. 6], in which, preferably, said detection member 100 has no part located in the second housing 22. For example, in the retracted position, the detection member 100 can be flush with the inner face 37 of the second housing 22.

[0089] The axis A100 can be oriented in the transverse direction Y.

[0090] The detection member 100 may comprise a central portion 101 from which three portions extend as described below.

[0091] A tab 102 extends generally downwards from the central portion 101. The axis A100 of rotation of the detection member 100 is provided at the end part 103 of the tab 102. This end part 103 forms a connection zone with the body 20 of the coupler 5.

[0092] A finger 104 extends generally forward from the central portion 101. The finger 104 is located at least partially in the second housing 22 when the detection member 100 is in the extended position. The lower face 105 of the finger 104 forms a contact face which is intended to cooperate with the second coupling member 12 of the tool 1, in particular when it is placed in the second housing 22. Preferably, said lower face 105 is concave, in particular forms a portion of cylinder having a diameter substantially identical to that of the second coupling member 12 to ensure good cooperation with the second coupling member 12.

[0093] Finally, a branch 106 extends generally rearwardly from the central portion 101. The branch 106 comprises a stop face 107 facing the second housing 22, configured to cooperate with a stop 51 provided on the body 20 of the coupler 5. The branch 106 also comprises an end portion 108.

[0094] The detection member 100 may be in the form of a plate, that is to say a part whose thickness - in the transverse direction Y - is much less than the dimensions in the other two directions - namely here X and Z.

[0095] The indication system 500 comprises a first return means 501 configured to urge the detection member 100 towards its extended position. The first return means 501 may take the form of a torsion spring arranged around the axis A100.

[0096] The indication system 500 further comprises at least one rocker arm 200. The rocker arm 200 is mounted in a movably manner on the detection member 100, here rotating around an axis A200 secured to the detection member 100. The rocker arm 200 can thus be moved between a rest position and an actuation position.

[0097] The axis A200 can be oriented in the transverse direction Y.

[0098] In the embodiment shown, the axis A200 of rotation of the rocker arm 200 is provided at the end part 108 of the branch 106 of the detection member 100. This end part 108 thus forms a connection zone with the rocker arm 200.

[0099] Thus, on the detection member 100: - the connection zone with the body 20 of the coupler 5, formed by the end part 103 of the tab 102, - the connection zone with the rocker arm 200, formed by the end part 108 of the branch 106, - and the contact face with the second coupling member 12, formed by the lower face 105 of the finger 104,

[0100] can substantially form a V whose tip is formed by the end part 103 of the tab 102 and whose ends are formed one by the end part 108 of the branch 106 and the other by the lower face 105 of the finger 104.

[0101] In other words, the lower face 105 of the finger 104 and the end part 108 of the branch 106 are located on either side of the axis A100 of rotation of the detection member 100 relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5, in projection on the longitudinal direction X. In addition, said axis A100 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X, and offset downwards, in the direction Z, relative to the lower face 105 of the finger 104 and to the end part 108 of the branch 106.

[0102] It follows that the detection member 100 can be driven by a rocking movement caused: - in one direction (forward, i.e. towards the second housing 22), by the first return means 501, towards the extended position, this movement being limited by the cooperation between the stop face 107 of the detection member 100 and the stop 51 of the body 20 of the coupler 5; - and in the other direction (towards the rear), against the force of the first return means 501, by the second coupling member 12 moving in the second housing 22 in an insertion direction which is substantially the longitudinal direction X, until the second coupling member 12 reaches its mounted position, the detection member 100 then being in the retracted position.

[0103] The rocker arm 200 may be in the form of a plate, that is to say a part whose thickness - in the transverse direction Y - is much less than the dimensions in the other two directions - namely here X and Z.

[0104] The indication system 500 may comprise two substantially identical rocker arms 200, parallel to each other and to the detection member 100, placed on either side of the detection member 100, the two rocker arms 200 and the detection member 100 being assembled via a pin 503 engaged in facing orifices to form the axis A200 of rotation of the rocker arm 200 relative to the detection member 100.

[0105] The rocker arm 200 may have a generally oblong and elongated shape in the vertical direction Z when the rocker arm 200 is in the rest position.

[0106] The rocker arm 200 comprises a bearing surface 201 which is configured to cooperate with the stop 404 of the locking system 400 when the locking part 401 is in the locking position, as well as at the end of the locking stroke, i.e. from a contact position, as explained below, to said locking position. The bearing surface 201 may be provided at a first end portion 202 of the rocker arm 200, here at the lower end portion. In the embodiment shown as an example, the first end portion 202 of the rocker arm 200 is in the form of a downwardly projecting nose, the bearing surface 201 being the rear and / or lower face of the nose.

[0107] On the other hand, when the locking part 401 is in the unlocking position, or in any intermediate position between the unlocking position and the contact position, the stop 404 is located at a distance from the bearing surface 201 of the rocker arm 200 over the entire travel of the rocker arm 200 between its rest and actuated positions.

[0108] The rocker arm 200 further comprises a second end portion 203, which is here the upper end portion. The second end portion 203 comprises a stop face 204 facing the second housing 22, configured to cooperate with a stop provided on the body 20 of the coupler 5, which may be the same stop 51 as that cooperating with the stop face 107 of the detection member 100.

[0109] The axis of rotation A200 of the rocker arm 200 relative to the detection member 100 may be located between the bearing surface 201 and the second end part 203.

[0110] The indication system 500 also comprises an indicator device 300 which can be in an active state in which it is able to provide information relating to the correct state of the coupling between the second coupling member 12 and the second housing 22, or in an inactive state in which it does not provide said information and cannot provide it.

[0111] The indicator device 300 comprises a movable element 301 which comprises a first end part 302 mounted on the rocker arm 200 in a movable manner, here in rotation around an axis A300 secured to the rocker arm 200. The movable element 301 can thus be moved between: - an inactive position, corresponding to the inactive state of the indicator device, when the rocker arm 200 is in the rest position, - and an active position, corresponding to the active state of the indicator device 300, when the rocker arm 200 is in the actuating position.

[0112] The axis A300 can be oriented in the transverse direction Y.

[0113] In the embodiment shown, the axis A300 of rotation of the movable element 301 is provided at the second end part 203 of the rocker arm 200. This second end part 203 thus forms a connection zone with the indicator device 300.

[0114] The movable element 301 may be an elongated element. In the embodiment shown, the mobile element 301 is elongated in the longitudinal direction X, and has reduced dimensions in the other directions, namely Y and Z.

[0115] In particular, the first end portion 302 of the mobile element 301 may have a small thickness - in the direction Y. As can be seen in [Fig.4], this first end portion 302 may be assembled between the two rocker arms 200, via a pin 504 engaged in facing orifices to form the axis A300 of rotation of the mobile element 301 relative to the rocker arm 200.

[0116] The first end part 302 of the movable element 301 therefore forms an actuated part, that is to say in particular set in motion by the rocker arm 200.

[0117] In the embodiment shown, the movements of the detection member 100, the rocker arm 200 and the movable element 301 take place in a plane (X, Z) and are initiated, during the connection phase of the tool 1, by the movement of the second coupling member 12 along the longitudinal direction X, during its insertion into the second housing 22 to its mounted position. The movable element 301 may have a median plane substantially coincident with or adjacent to the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5.

[0118] The movable element 301 comprises a second end portion 303 which forms a useful portion, namely a portion of the movable element 301 configured to provide information relating to the correct state of the coupling between the second coupling member 12 and the second housing 22, or to actuate a device belonging to the indicator device 300 and configured to provide said information. The second end portion 303 is further from the second housing 22 than the first end portion 302.

[0119] According to a possible embodiment, the coupler 5 comprises a part 505 which is integral with the body 20 and which can have several functions. The part 505 can comprise a slot 506 passing through in the longitudinal direction X, in which the movable element 301 is engaged. The slot 506 can thus have a function of guiding the movement of the movable element 301.

[0120] Furthermore, the part 505 may have a face 507 oriented along a plane (Y,Z), that is to say orthogonally to the mobile element 301, and facing the second housing 22. The face 507 constitutes a bearing face for a second return means 502 belonging to the coupler 5. This second return means 502 also bears against a face 508 of a wall 509 which is for example integral with the mobile element 501, and closer to the second housing 22, said face 508 being facing forward.

[0121] The second return means 502 is for example a compression spring. It urges the rocker arm 200 towards its rest position, via the movable element 301. The movement of the rocker arm 200 in this direction is limited by the cooperation between the face stop 204 provided on the rocker arm 200 and the stop 51 provided on the body 20 of the coupler 5. Other arrangements can be envisaged so as to directly urge the rocker arm 200 towards its rest position.

[0122] The operation of the indication system 500 is now described.

[0123] We first refer to figures 3, and 6 to 9 which illustrate a first embodiment of the invention.

[0124] In this first embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the second end part 303 of the movable element 301 is mounted substantially sliding in a guide channel 34 provided on the body 20 of the coupler 5. The guide channel 34 preferably extends in the longitudinal direction X.

[0125] The guide channel 34 opens to the outside of the body 20 through a hole 36. This hole 36 is preferably located on the same side of the body 20 as the first housing 21, that is to say that the guide channel 34 is open towards the rear, in the direction of the cabin 9. In addition, the hole 36 is preferably offset relative to the first housing 21 so as to be visible when the first coupling member 11 is mounted in the first housing 21. For example, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, the hole 36 is located above the first housing 21, in the direction Z, therefore above the first coupling member 11 when the latter is mounted in the first housing 21. The hole 36 can be located substantially in the median plane P20 of the coupler body 20 5.

[0126] [Fig.3] illustrates the coupler 5 in the absence of a second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22.

[0127] Due to the action of the first return means 501, the detection member 100 is in its extended position. Thus, in combination with the action of the second return means 502, the rocker arm 200 is in its rest position. Furthermore, the movable element 301 is in the inactive position and the indicator device 300, which here consists of the movable element 301, is in its inactive state. Furthermore, the or each locking part 401 is in the unlocked position, the stop 404 therefore being located at a distance, towards the rear, from the rocker arm 200.

[0128] To connect the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine 10, the operator, from the cabin 9, first mounts the first coupling member 11 in the first housing 21 of the coupler 5. Then the second coupling member 12 is mounted in the second housing 22 to be locked there.

[0129] The second coupling member 12 enters the second housing 22 and moves until it is correctly mounted, i.e. until the second coupling member 12 is in contact with the upper face 37 of the second housing 22. During this movement, the second coupling member 12 comes into contact with the finger 104 of the detection member 100 and pushes the lower face 105 of the finger 104, against the force of the first return means 501, thus causing the detection member 100 to move from its extended position to its retracted position, by rotation around the axis A100.

[0130] Consequently, the end portion 108 of the branch 106 of the detection member 100 is lowered, which tends to move the rocker arm 200 downwards. However, due to the action of the second return means 502, the stop face 204 of the rocker arm 200 remains in abutment against the stop 51 of the body 20 of the coupler 5, and the rocker arm 200 cannot be moved to its actuating position. This arrangement is illustrated in [Fig.9]. The rocker arm 200 is then in a position called the transition position. In the rest position of the rocker arm 200, the bearing face 201 does not intersect the path of the stop 404 during the movement of the locking part 401 between its unlocking and locking positions. In the transition position of the rocker arm 200, the bearing face 201 is located on said trajectory of the stop 404 and is therefore capable of being able to cooperate with this stop wall 404.

[0131] Once the second coupling member 12 is mounted in the second housing 22, the operator controls the movement of the locking part(s) 401 towards the locking position. The appendage 405 is thus brought closer to the rocker arm 200, until the stop 404 comes into contact with the bearing surface 201 of the rocker arm 200, which occurs when the locking part 401 reaches a position called the contact position. This causes the rotation of the rocker arm 200 relative to the detection member 100 around the axis A200, and the passage of the rocker arm 200 to its actuating position, illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0132] This rotation of the rocker arm 200 around the axis A200 has led to the displacement of the second end part 203 of the rocker arm 200 opposite the stop 51, that is to say towards the rear. It follows that the movable element 301 translates, substantially according to a translation along the longitudinal direction X and towards the rear, against the force of the second return means 502. This movement of the movable element 301 is guided in the slot 506 of the part 505 and in the guide channel 34.

[0133] The movable element 301 is thus moved to its active position, in which the second end part 303 projects at least partially out of the guide channel 34, through the hole 36, that is to say out of the body 20 of the coupler 5.

[0134] The mobile element 301 is therefore visible to an operator from the cabin 9, as clearly appears in [Fig.7]. In order to improve the visibility or perception of the information, the second extreme part 303 may be of an appropriate color, for example green.

[0135] The operator is therefore informed of the correct coupling state between the second coupling member 12 and the housing 22, in the form of a single visual item of information. arising from the fact that two distinct conditions are met.

[0136] Indeed, with the indication system 500 of the invention, the indicator device 300 can only pass from its inactive state to its active state when the rocker arm 200 passes from its rest position to its actuated position, and the rocker arm 200 can only be moved to its actuated position, against the force of the second return means 502, if, cumulatively: - the detection member has moved from its extended position to its retracted position, which only occurs when the second coupling member 12 is mounted (i.e. “correctly mounted”) in the second housing 22; and - the stop 404 of the locking part 401 cooperates with the bearing surface 201 of the rocker arm 200, which only occurs when the locking part(s) are at the end of their locking travel, from the contact position to the locking position.

[0137] In the absence of either (or both) of the aforementioned conditions, the indicator device 300 cannot transition from its inactive state to its active state.

[0138] [Fig. 8] illustrates the case where the locking parts 401 are indeed in the locked position, but where the second housing 22 does not receive a second coupling member 12. In this case, the stop 404 of the locking system 400 is indeed adjacent to the rocker arm 200, but it cannot cooperate with the bearing surface 201. Indeed, in the absence of a second coupling member 12, the detection member 100 is held in the extended position by the first return means 501, and therefore cannot contribute to causing the rotation of the rocker arm 200 around the axis A200 towards its actuating position. More specifically, the detection member 100 has not caused the movement of the rocker arm 200 towards its transition position. Therefore, the indicator device 300 cannot switch to its active state, and it remains housed in the body 20 of the coupler 5, thus being invisible to the operator from the cabin 9.

[0139] The situation would be identical if a second coupling member 12 were present in the second housing 22 but were not in the mounted position, i.e. were positioned incorrectly. Indeed, in this case, the second coupling member 12 would also not be able to move the detection member 100 to its retracted position.

[0140] [Fig. 9] illustrates the case where the second coupling member 12 is properly mounted in the second housing 22 but is not locked there, the locking parts 401 having remained in the unlocked position. In this case, we are at the end of an intermediate coupling step between the second coupling member 12 and the second housing 22, prior to locking, as explained previously. Since the bearing surface 201 of the rocker arm 200 does not cooperate with the stop 404 of the locking system 400, the rocker arm 200 is not moved to its actuating position. Here again, the indicator device 300 remains in its inactive state, housed in the body 20 of the coupler 5, thus being invisible to the operator from the cabin 9.

[0141] We now refer to [Fig. 10] which illustrates a second embodiment of the invention.

[0142] In this second embodiment, the movable element 301 is shorter; it does not extend to the rear face of the body 20 of the coupler 5 and cannot protrude therefrom. On the other hand, the second end part 303 of the movable element 301 is slidably engaged in the slot 506 of the part 505, which then ensures the function of a guide channel.

[0143] In addition to the mobile element 301, the indicator device 300 comprises an electronic device 305 which is configured to provide information relating to the correct state of the coupling between the second coupling member 12 and the second housing 22 in the form of an electrical or electronic signal when the indicator device 300 is in the active state.

[0144] The electronic device 305 is preferably located near the second end portion 303 of the movable element 301. When the rocker arm 200 moves into the actuating position, the movable element 301 is moved to its active position in which it can actuate the electronic device 305.

[0145] The electronic device 305 then provides the electrical or electronic signal, which is transmitted by a transmission circuit 16 to an acoustic or visual device 17, such as a screen or a buzzer, located in the cabin 9 of the machine 10, and therefore perceptible by an operator.

[0146] By means of a single piece of information, for example displayed on the screen in the form of a single icon, or broadcast in the form of a sound, the operator, from the cabin 9, is able to know whether the two distinct conditions of a correct coupling state are met or not.

[0147] Whatever the embodiment, the disconnection of the tool 1 relative to the arm 2 of the machine 10 requires the locking system 400 to move to its unlocked state and then the second coupling member 12 to come out of the second housing 22. This allows, under the action of the first and second return means 501, 502, the return of the indication system 500 to the initial state as described in connection with [Fig.3].

[0148] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples 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 (10) and designed to connect to a tool (1), the coupler (5) comprising: - a body (20) comprising a first housing (21) for receiving a first coupling member (11) provided on the tool (1), and a second housing (22), separate from the first housing (21), for receiving a second coupling member (12) provided on the tool (1) and separate from the first coupling member (11); - a locking system (400) for locking the second coupling member (12) in the second housing (22), the locking system (400) comprising at least one locking part (401) which is movable relative to the body (20) of the coupler (5) between a locking position, in which the second coupling member (12) is held in the second housing (22), and an unlocking position, in which the second coupling member (12) is free to come out of the second housing (22); - an indication system (500) configured to provide information relating to the state of the coupling between the second coupling member (12) and the second housing (22), said information being perceptible by an operator from a cabin (9) of the work machine (10); characterized in that the indication system (500) comprises: - a detection member (100), for detecting the presence of the second coupling member (12) in the second housing (22), mounted movably on the body (20) of the coupler (5) between an extended position and a retracted position, and a first return means (501), the detection member (100) being urged by the first return means (501) towards its extended position in which said detection member (100) projects into the second housing (22), the detection member (100) being able to be moved, against the force of the first return means (501) and under the action of the second coupling member (12) entering the second housing (22), until reaching its retracted position when the second coupling member (12) is in the mounted position in the second housing (22); - a rocker arm (200) movably mounted on the detection member (100) between a rest position and an actuating position, and a second return means (502), the rocker arm (200) being biased by the second return means (502) to its rest position; - a stop (404) integral with the locking part (401), said stop (404) being configured to be able to cooperate with a bearing surface (201) provided on the rocker arm (200) when the locking part (401) is in the locking position and, when the locking part (401) is in the unlocking position, said stop (404) being located at a distance from the bearing surface (201) of the rocker arm (200) over the entire travel of movement of the rocker arm (200) between its rest and actuated positions; - an indicator device (300) which can be in an inactive state, when the rocker arm (200) is in the rest position, or in an active state, when the rocker arm (200) is in the actuating position, active state in which the indicator device (300) is capable of providing said information;the indication system (500) being configured so that the rocker arm (200) can be moved to its actuating position, against the force of the second return means (502), due to the following events, cumulatively: - the fact that the detection member (100) is in the retracted position under the action of the second coupling member (12); and - the cooperation between the bearing surface (201) of the rocker arm (200) and the stop (404) of the locking part (401) when the locking part (401) moves to and from its locking position; the rocker arm (200) thus causing the indicator device (300) to move from its inactive state to its active state.;

2. Coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator device (300) comprises a movable element (301) which is movably mounted on the rocker arm (200) between an inactive position, corresponding to the inactive state of the indicator device (300), and an active position, corresponding to the active state of the indicator device (300).

3. Coupler according to claim 2, characterized in that the movable element (301) is mounted on the rocker arm (200) so as to be movable in rotation around an axis (A300) secured to the rocker arm (200).

4. Coupler according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the movable element (301) of the indicator device (300) comprises an actuated part (302), which is the part of the movable element (301) mounted movably on the rocker arm (200), and a useful part (303) configured to provide said information, preferably directly, or to actuate a device belonging to the indicator device (300) and configured to provide said information.

5. Coupler according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the movable element (301) is elongated and comprises a first end part (302) mounted on the rocker arm (200) so as to be able to rotate about an axis (A300) integral with the rocker arm (200) and a second end part (303) mounted substantially sliding in a guide channel (34, 506) provided on the body (20) of the coupler (5).

6. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the active state of the indicator device (300), at least a part (303) of the indicator device (300) protrudes from the body (20) of the coupler (5).

7. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the body (20) of the coupler (5) comprises a hole (36) through which a part (303) of the indicator device (300) projects from the body (20) of the coupler (5) when the indicator device (300) is in the active state, said hole (36) preferably being located on the same side of the body (20) as the first housing (21) and offset relative to said first housing (21) so as to be visible when the first coupling member (11) is mounted in the first housing (21).

8. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the indicator device (300) comprises an electronic device (305) configured to provide said information in the form of an electrical or electronic signal when the indicator device (300) is in the active state.

9. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the detection member (100) is mounted on the body (20) of the coupler (5) so as to be able to rotate around an axis (A100) secured to the body (20) of the coupler (5).

10. Coupler according to claim 9, characterized in that the detection member (100) comprises a connection zone (103) with the body (20) of the coupler (5), a connection zone (108) with the rocker arm (200) and a contact face (105) configured to cooperate with the second coupling member (12), the connection zone (103) with the body (20) of the coupler (5), the connection zone (108) with the rocker arm (200) and the contact face (105) substantially forming a V whose tip is formed by said connection zone (103) with the body (20) of the coupler (5) and whose ends are formed one by the connection zone (108) with the rocker arm (200) and the other by the contact face (105).

11. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rocker arm (200) is mounted on the detection member (100) so as to be able to rotate around an axis (A200) secured to the detection member (100).

12. Coupler according to claim 11, characterized in that the bearing surface (201) of the rocker arm (200) is located at a first end part (202) of the rocker arm (200), the rocker arm (200) comprising a connection zone (203) with the indicator device (300), which is located at a second end part of the rocker arm (200), and the axis of rotation (A200) of the rocker arm (200) relative to the detection member (100) being located between the connection zone (203) with the indicator device (300) and the bearing surface (201).

13. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the locking system (400) comprises a base (403) on which the locking part (401) is fixed and on which the stop (404) is arranged, and in that the assembly comprising the base (403), the locking part (401) and the stop (404) is movable in translation relative to the body (20) of the coupler (5) between the locking position, where the locking part (401) partially projects into the second housing (22) and the unlocking position, where the locking part (401) does not project into the second housing (22).

14. Coupler according to claims 3, 9 and 11, characterized in that the axis of rotation (A300) of the movable element (301) relative to the rocker arm (200), the axis of rotation (A100) of the detection member (100) relative to the body (20) of the coupler (5) and the axis of rotation (A200) of the rocker arm (200) relative to the detection member (100) are substantially parallel to each other.

15. Work machine (10), such as a hydraulic excavator, comprising a cabin (9) for an operator and 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).

16. Machine according to claim 15, the coupler (5) being in accordance with claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, in the active state of the indicator device (300), the part (303) of the indicator device (300) which projects out of the body (20) of the coupler (5) projects in the direction of the cabin (9), so as to be visible to an operator located in the cabin (9).

17. Machine according to claim 15, the coupler (5) being in accordance with the re- claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises an acoustic or visual device (17) for broadcasting or displaying information, preferably located in the cabin (9), and a circuit (16) for transmitting the electrical or electronic signal supplied by the electronic device (305) to said acoustic or visual device (17).

18. Quick coupling assembly (3) of a tool (1) on the end of an arm (2) of a work machine (10), said quick coupling assembly (3) comprising a coupler (5) according to one of claims 1 to 14, and a tool (1) provided with a first coupling member (11) capable of being received in the first housing (21) of the coupler (5) and a second coupling member (12) capable of being received in the second housing (22) of the coupler (5).

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