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

Abstract

Coupler for connecting a tool to a work machine arm. The coupler (5) comprises: - a detection element (100) for the presence of the second trunnion (12) of the tool in the second housing (22), movable between an extended position and a retracted position; - a rocker arm (200) movable on the detection element between a rest position and an actuating position; - an indicator device (300) which, in its active state, can provide information on the correct coupling of the second trunnion, perceptible from the cab. The rocker arm is moved to its actuating position when, cumulatively: - the detection element 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 construction machine

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

[0002] The coupler according to the invention is intended for a quick-attachment assembly for a tool on the end of an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The general principle of a quick-attachment assembly is to equip the tool with a connecting device which generally has male connecting means such as trunnions, and to equip the end of the arm with a coupler which has female connecting means such as hooks into which the male connecting means engage.

[0003] A quick-coupler assembly allows a tool to be connected to and disconnected from a machine arm, in some cases without manual intervention by the machine operator, offering significant advantages in terms of simplicity and speed of tool change. The coupler must also ensure that the tool remains securely attached during operation, for the safety of personnel and property.

[0004] In a known manner, a coupler comprises a body having 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 first places the first coupling member in the first housing, then places the second coupling member in the second housing, and finally locks the second coupling member in the second housing. For this purpose, the coupler is equipped with a locking system having at least one locking piece that is movable relative to the body of the coupler between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0005] In order to enable the machine operator to verify the successful completion of the locking process, it is necessary to provide him with reliable information that: - on the one hand, the second coupling element 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 piece can cooperate appropriately with the second coupling element; - and, on the other hand, the locking piece is in its locked position.

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

[0007] Thus: - a locking piece that occupies its locking position correctly, but with the second coupling element not cooperating appropriately with the second housing, i.e., mounted incorrectly; - or a second coupling member correctly mounted in the second housing, but where the locking piece 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 piece on a tool whose second coupling member does not cooperate correctly with the second housing is to be avoided.

[0010] That is why some couplers are equipped with an indication system which allows the machine operator to ensure that the tool is correctly connected.

[0011] Known indication systems, however, 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 undesirable.

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

[0013] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a coupler intended to be mounted on the end of an arm of a construction machine and designed to connect to a tool, the coupler comprising: - a body comprising a first housing for receiving a first coupling element provided on the tool, and a second housing, separate from the first housing, for receiving a second coupling element provided on the tool and separate from the first coupling element; - a locking system for the second coupling member in the second housing, the locking system comprising at least one locking piece 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 come out of the second housing; - an indication system configured to provide information relating to the state of the coupling between the second coupling element and the second housing, said information being perceptible to an operator from a cab of the construction vehicle.

[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 in a movable manner 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 protrudes 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 mounted movably on the sensing member between a rest position and an actuation position, and a second return means, the rocker arm being actuated by the second return means towards its rest position; - a stop integral with the locking piece, said stop being configured to be able to cooperate with a bearing surface provided on the rocker arm when the locking piece is in the locking position and, when the locking piece 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 actuation positions; - an indicator device that 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 actuation position, an active state in which the indicator device is able to provide said information.

[0015] Furthermore, the indication system is configured so that the rocker arm can be moved to its actuation position, against the force of the second return means, due to the following cumulative events: - the fact that the detection element is in its retracted position under the action of the second coupling element; and - the cooperation between the rocker arm bearing surface and the locking piece stop when the locking piece moves towards and into its locking position;

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

[0017] By "upward position" of the second coupling member in the second housing, we mean "correctly mounted position", that is, in which the second coupling member is positioned so as to cooperate with the second housing and, subsequently, with the locking piece, as predetermined during the design of the quick-release assembly, so as to ensure the appropriate security of the connection.

[0018] The invention makes it possible to provide the operator with a single piece of 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 implies the occurrence of two distinct events, in other words includes two distinct conditions, namely: - the fact that the second coupling element is in the mounted position in the second housing; - and the fact that the locking piece is in the locked position.

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

[0020] It is specified that both of the aforementioned 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, the said information will not be provided.

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

[0022] All of these movements, which result in the rocker arm being in the actuated position, can be achieved purely mechanically and do not require an electronic sensor or, consequently, an electrical connection to the cab. 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 actuation position, if they are cumulative, are nevertheless not simultaneous.

[0025] In concrete terms, according to a possible embodiment, initially, the movement of the sensing 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 transitional position, which is neither the rest position nor the actuation position, the rocker arm's bearing surface is located so as to be able to to cooperate with the stop of the locking piece at the end of its locking stroke, whereas said bearing surface cannot cooperate with said stop when the rocker arm is in its rest position. For example, in the transition position, the rocker arm's bearing surface is located on the path of the stop during the movement of the locking piece between its unlocked and locked positions. Conversely, in the rest position, the rocker arm's bearing surface 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 piece is moved from its unlocked position towards its locked position. At a certain point during this movement, the locking piece comes into contact with the rocker arm's bearing surface. The position then occupied by the locking piece is called the contact position. The continued movement of the locking piece from this contact position to the locked position leads to the movement of the rocker arm from its transition position to its actuated position. The locking end of travel is defined as the movement of the locking piece from its contact position to its locked position. For example, in this contact position, the locking piece may have traveled between 50% and 90% of its total movement from its unlocked to its locked position.

[0028] The indicator device, or a part thereof, can be moved to its inactive state by the second recall means or another recall means.

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

[0030] The indicator device may include a movable element that 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 actuation positions results in the movement of the movable element between its inactive and active positions.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the indicating device may consist of said moving 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 indicating device that provides the information (here, the moving element, which is the indicating device itself).

[0032] According to another embodiment, the moving element can be moved by the rocker arm and actuate an additional part of the indicating device, separate from the moving 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 moving element, to switch the indicator device from its inactive state to its active state.

[0033] The moving element is for example mounted on the rocker arm in a movable way in rotation around an axis fixed to the rocker arm.

[0034] The moving element of the indicator device may include an actuated part, which is the part of the moving element mounted on the rocker arm, and a useful part configured to provide said information, either 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. This device may be electronic and provide the information in the form of a signal.

[0035] The moving element can be elongated and comprise a first end portion mounted on the rocker arm in a rotatable manner about an axis fixed to the rocker arm, and a second end portion mounted to slide substantially within a guide channel formed on the body of the coupler. Due to the rotatable mounting of the first end portion, the second end portion does not undergo perfect translation, but also a slight pivoting motion. The first end portion can form the actuated part and the second end portion can form the working part.

[0036] Alternatively, the indicator device may be without such a moving element mounted on the rocker arm. In this case, for example, the rocker arm acts directly on the component of the indicator device that provides the information, without an intermediary element, said component being fixed relative to the body of the coupler. The indicator device may consist of said component that provides the information, this component being either 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. This 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 directly visually perceptible.

[0038] In this case, the passage of the rocker arm to its actuation position can cause the indicator device to move.

[0039] Said part may, for example, protrude towards the cab 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 has a hole through which part of the indicator device protrudes out of 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 includes 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 cab via a transmission circuit (electrical and / or data). In the cab, the signal can be perceived by the operator either audibly (typically by the emission of a sound) or visually (for example, via a display on a screen or via an indicator light). In other words, in this case, the information regarding the correct state of the coupling is indirectly perceptible.

[0043] In this case, the passage of the rocker to its actuation position may 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 element can be mounted on the body of the coupler in a movable way in rotation around an axis fixed to the body of the coupler.

[0045] According to one possible embodiment, the sensing member comprises a connection zone with the coupler body, a connection zone with the rocker arm, and a contact face configured to cooperate with the second coupling member. Furthermore, the connection zone with the coupler body, the connection zone with the rocker arm, and the contact face substantially form a V, the apex of which is formed by the connection zone with the coupler body, and the extremities of which are formed, respectively, by the connection zone with the rocker arm and the contact face. The sensing member can thus be set in a rocking motion 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 sensing member in a movable way in rotation around an axis fixed to the sensing member.

[0047] According to one possible embodiment, the rocker arm support surface is located at a first extreme part of the rocker arm, the rocker arm includes a connection area with the indicator device, which is located at a second extreme part of the rocker arm, and the axis of rotation of the rocker arm relative to the sensing member is located between the connection area with the indicator device and the support surface.

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

[0049] The locking system may include a base on which the locking piece is fixed and on which the stop is provided. The assembly comprising the base, the locking piece, and the stop may be movable in translation relative to the body of the coupler between the locking position, where the locking piece partially protrudes into the second housing, and the unlocking position, where the The locking piece does not protrude into the second housing. Alternatively, the assembly could be rotationally movable relative to the coupler body between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0050] The axis of rotation of the moving element with respect to the rocker arm, the axis of rotation of the sensing member with respect to the body of the coupler and the axis of rotation of the rocker arm with respect to the sensing member - when the coupler includes such axes - are substantially parallel to each other, and for example oriented substantially along 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 cab for an operator, an arm, and a coupler as previously described mounted at the end of the arm.

[0052] Where the indicator device includes at least one part that protrudes from the body of the coupler in the active state, said part may protrude towards the cab so as to be visible to an operator located in the cab. Alternatively, said part could protrude from the body of the coupler laterally or vertically, for example.

[0053] Where the indicating device includes an electronic device configured to provide said information in the form of an electrical or electronic signal, the indicating device may further include an acoustic or visual device for disseminating 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 emitted sound is audible to an operator located in the cabin.

[0054] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a quick-release assembly for a tool on the end of an arm of a construction machine, said quick-release assembly comprising a coupler as previously described and a tool having a first coupling member suitable for being received in the first housing of the coupler and a second coupling member suitable for 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 attached 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 cross-sectional view of the coupler along a median plane, showing a system a locking system 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 the [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 arm of the machine and the tool, the indicating device being in its active state;

[0063] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.4], the locking system being locked but no coupling element 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 cab 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 indicating device being in its active state.

[0066] Figure 1 represents a work machine 10 comprising a cab 9 in which an operator is seated and from which the operator controls the machine. The machine 10 also comprises an arm 2 to which a tool 1 – here a bucket – is connected by means of a quick coupler assembly 3. This quick coupler assembly 3 comprises a connecting device 4 fixed to 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 connecting device 4 fixed to the tool 1.

[0067] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the tool 1 comprises a first coupling member 11 and a second coupling member 12. The coupling members 11 and 12 are male members, here cylindrical bars having an axis A11 and A12, respectively. The axes A11 and A12 are preferably parallel to each other. The coupling members 11 and 12 are mounted between two plates 13 of the tool 1, the plates being preferably parallel to each other and orthogonal to the axes A11 and A12. In one embodiment, the coupling members 11 and 12 are parallel cylindrical bars of the same diameter, which has the advantage of allowing the tool 1 to be connected to the coupler 5 in both directions, that is, in the case of a bucket, with the bucket open towards the implement 10 or away from the implement 10.

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

[0069] According to one 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 a steering system 6 of the coupler 5 provided on the arm 2 of the machine. Each flange 30 has a receiving element 32 for each of the shafts 31, such as a sleeve or an opening.

[0070] According to one possible embodiment, the body 20 comprises two sides 33 which are preferably parallel to each other and to the median plane P20, each side 33 extending parallel to one of the flanges 30 and in the continuation of it, downwards.

[0071] The body 20 includes 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 operating area 23, which is the area where the first coupling member 11 is located when the tool 1 is mounted on the arm 2, ready for the working phase. The operating area 23 has an axis orthogonal to the median plane P20, which is called axis A21 of the first housing 21 for the sake of simplicity. The first housing 21 also has an opening 24 for the passage of the first coupling member 11 into the operating area 23 during a tool 1 connection phase, and out of the housing 21 during a tool 1 disconnection phase.

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

[0073] The body 20 also includes a second housing 22, separate from the first housing 21, to receive 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 axis A21 and axis A22; - 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 element 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 device 10 rests on a substantially flat and horizontal ground, with a tool 1 mounted on the arm 2 and in a neutral position, as illustrated in [Fig.1]: the longitudinal direction X is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the device 10; the transverse direction Y is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the transverse direction of the device 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 a forward movement of the machine; the term "lateral" is used with reference to the Y direction; the terms "upper", "lower", "high" and similar are used with reference to the Z direction.

[0078] The device 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 device 10, i.e. 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 connection phase of the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine 10 may include a first step of placing the first coupling member 11 in the first housing 21 until it reaches a mounted position where the axis Al 1 of the first coupling member 11 is substantially coincident with the axis A21 of the first housing 21. The coupler 5 may include a retention system for the first coupling member 11 in the first housing 21. Then, in 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, the tool 1 is locked in this position.

[0080] For this purpose, the coupler 5 includes a locking system 400 for the second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22. This system is referred to as the "locking system" for the sake of simplicity, 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 piece 401, and preferably two substantially identical locking pieces 401 spaced apart along the transverse direction Y. The locking piece 401 may be in the form of an arm extending longitudinally and whose end part 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 piece 401 has a rounded notch 402 open upwards.

[0082] The locking piece 401 can occupy a locked 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 piece 401 comprising at least the notch 402 protruding into the second housing 22, the notch 402 being substantially opposite the upper face 37 of the corresponding notch.

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

[0084] In the embodiment shown by way of example, the locking piece 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 pieces 401, these can be joined together by means of a base 403 fixed to the end part of each locking piece 401, opposite the second housing 22.

[0085] The movement of the locking piece(s) 401 is controllable by an operator, typically from the cab 9 of the machine 10. For this purpose, the coupler 5 may include a cylinder (not shown) having a movable rod attached to the locking piece(s) 401, for example via the base 403. The cylinder, or any other actuator (in particular mechanical or hydraulic), may be controlled by the operator.

[0086] A stop 404 is provided on the base 403. Specifically, for example, an appendage 405 attached to 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, 20% to 50% of the length of the locking pieces 401. The stop 404 is formed by the end portion of the appendage 405.

[0087] The coupler 5 includes 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 cab 9 of the machine 10.

[0088] The indication system 500 includes a detection member 100 for detecting the presence of the second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22. The detection member 100 is movably mounted on the body 20 of the coupler 5, which is rotated about an axis A100 fixed 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 protrudes 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 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 along the transverse direction Y.

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

[0091] A leg 102 extends generally downwards from the central portion 101. The axis A100 of rotation of the sensing member 100 is provided at the extreme part 103 of the leg 102. This extreme 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 sensing member 100 is in the extended position. The lower face 105 of the finger 104 forms a contact face intended to cooperate with the second coupling member 12 of the tool 1, particularly when it is inserted into the second housing 22. Preferably, said lower face 105 is concave, in particular forming a cylindrical portion 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 rearward from the central portion 101. The branch 106 includes 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 includes an end portion 108.

[0094] The detection element 100 can be in the form of a plate, that is to say a part whose thickness - along 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 includes a first return means 501 configured to actuate the sensing member 100 towards its extended position. The first return means 501 may be in the form of a torsion spring arranged around the axis A100.

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

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

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

[0099] Thus, on the detection organ 100: - the connection zone with the body 20 of the coupler 5, formed by the extreme part 103 of the leg 102, - the connection zone with the rocker arm 200, formed by the extreme part 108 of the arm 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 point is formed by the extreme part 103 of the leg 102 and whose ends are formed one by the extreme 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 extreme part 108 of the arm 106 are located on either side of the axis A100 of rotation of the sensing member 100 relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5, in projection onto the longitudinal direction X. Moreover, said axis A100 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X, and offset downwards, along the direction Z, relative to the lower face 105 of the finger 104 and to the extreme part 108 of the arm 106.

[0102] It follows that the detection element 100 can be animated by a rocking motion caused by: - in one direction (forward, i.e. towards the second housing 22), by the first return means 501, towards the exit 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 along 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 can be in the form of a plate, that is to say a part whose thickness - along 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 include two substantially identical rocker arms 200, parallel to each other and to the sensing member 100, placed on either side of the sensing member 100, the two rocker arms 200 and the sensing member 100 being assembled via a pin 503 engaged in opposite orifices to form the axis A200 of rotation of the rocker arm 200 relative to the sensing member 100.

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

[0106] The rocker arm 200 has 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 locked position, as well as at the end of the locking stroke, i.e., from a contact position, as explained below, to said locked position. The bearing surface 201 can be provided on a first extreme part 202 of the rocker arm 200, here at the lower extreme part. In the embodiment shown by way of example, the first extreme part 202 of the rocker arm 200 is in the form of a nose projecting downwards, the bearing surface 201 being the rear and / or lower face of the nose.

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

[0108] The rocker arm 200 further comprises a second extreme part 203, which is here the upper extreme part. The second extreme part 203 comprises a stop face 204 facing the second housing 22, configured to cooperate with a stop formed 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 sensing member 100.

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

[0110] The indication system 500 also includes 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 has a first end portion 302 mounted on the rocker arm 200 in a movable manner, here rotating about an axis A300 fixed 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 actuation position.

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

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

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

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

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

[0117] In the embodiment shown, the movements of the sensing member 100, the rocker arm 200, and the moving element 301 occur in a plane (X, Z) and are initiated, during the tool connection phase 1, by the movement of the second coupling member 12 along the longitudinal direction X, as it is inserted into the second housing 22 until it reaches its mounted position. The moving element 301 may have a median plane substantially coinciding with or adjacent to the median plane P20 of the body 20 of the coupler 5.

[0118] The moving element 301 includes a second end portion 303 which forms a useful portion, namely a portion of the moving element 301 configured to provide information regarding 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 one 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 include a slot 506 extending through 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 movable element 301, and turned towards the second housing 22. The face 507 constitutes a support face for a second return means 502 belonging to the coupler 5. This second return means 502 is also in support against a face 508 of a wall 509 which is for example integral with the movable element 501, and closer to the second housing 22, said face 508 being turned towards the front.

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

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

[0123] Reference is made first 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 extreme part 303 of the movable element 301 is mounted substantially sliding in a guide channel 34 formed on the body 20 of the coupler 5. The guide channel 34 preferably extends along the longitudinal direction X.

[0125] The guide channel 34 opens out 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, i.e., the guide channel 34 is open to the rear, in the direction of the cabin 9. Furthermore, the hole 36 is preferably offset from 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 Figures 2, 3 and 7, the hole 36 is located above the first housing 21, in the Z direction, therefore above the first coupling member 11 when it is mounted in the first housing 21. The hole 36 can be located substantially in the median plane P20 of the coupling 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 sensing 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 moving element 301 is in its inactive position, and the indicator device 300, which here consists of the moving element 301, is in its inactive state. Moreover, the locking piece or pieces 401 are in the unlocked position, the stop 404 therefore being located at a distance, towards the rear, from the rocker arm 200.

[0128] For connecting the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine 10, the operator, from the cab 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, that is, 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 sensing member 100 and pushes the lower face 105 of finger 104, against the force of the first return means 501, thus moving the detection organ 100 from its extended position to its retracted position, by rotation around the axis A100.

[0130] Consequently, the outermost part 108 of the arm 106 of the sensing 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 contact with 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 so-called 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 piece 401 between its unlocked and locked positions. In the transition position of the rocker arm 200, the bearing face 201 is located on said path of the stop 404 and is therefore likely to be able to cooperate with this stop wall 404.

[0131] Once the second coupling member 12 is mounted in the second housing 22, the operator commands the movement of the locking piece(s) 401 to 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 piece 401 reaches a position known as the contact position. This causes the rocker arm 200 to rotate relative to the sensing member 100 around the axis A200, and the rocker arm 200 to move to its actuating position, illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0132] This rotation of the rocker arm 200 around the axis A200 resulted in the displacement of the second extreme part 203 of the rocker arm 200 away from the stop 51, i.e., rearward. Consequently, the moving element 301 translates, substantially along the longitudinal direction X and rearward, against the force of the second return means 502. This movement of the moving 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 extreme part 303 protrudes at least partially out of the guide channel 34, through the hole 36, i.e. out of the body 20 of the coupler 5.

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

[0135] The operator is thus informed of the correct coupling state between the second coupling element 12 and the housing 22, in the form of a single visual signal resulting 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 move from its inactive state to its active state when the rocker arm 200 moves 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 sensing 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 piece 401 cooperates with the bearing surface 201 of the rocker 200, which only occurs when the locking piece(s) are at the end of the locking stroke, from the contact position to the locking position.

[0137] In the absence of one or both of the aforementioned conditions, the indicator device 300 cannot switch from its inactive state to its active state.

[0138] Figure 8 illustrates the case where the locking parts 401 are in the locked position, but the second housing 22 does not receive a second coupling member 12. In this case, the stop 404 of the locking system 400 is 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 sensing member 100 is held in the extended position by the first return means 501, and therefore cannot contribute to causing the rocker arm 200 to rotate around the axis A200 towards its actuating position. More specifically, the sensing member 100 did not cause the rocker arm 200 to move 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 raised position, i.e., were incorrectly positioned. Indeed, in this case, the second coupling member 12 would also be unable to move the sensing member 100 to its retracted position.

[0140] Figure 9 illustrates the case where the second coupling member 12 is correctly mounted in the second housing 22 but is not locked in place, the locking parts 401 remaining in the unlocked position. In this case, we are at the end of an intermediate coupling stage 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 actuation position. Here again, the indicator device 300 remains in its inactive state, housed in the body 20 of the coupler 5, and is therefore invisible to the operator from the cab 9.

[0141] Reference is now made 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 from it. On the other hand, the second extreme part 303 of the movable element 301 is slidably engaged in the slot 506 of the part 505, which then serves as a guide channel.

[0143] In addition to the moving element 301, the indicator device 300 includes 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 extreme part 303 of the moving element 301. When rocker 200 passes into the actuation position, the moving 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 cab 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 cabin 9, is able to know whether the two distinct conditions of a correct coupling state are met or not.

[0147] Regardless of the embodiment, disconnecting the tool 1 from 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 move 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 is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example but includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Demands

1. Coupler (5) intended to be mounted on 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) formed on the tool (1), and a second housing (22), separate from the first housing (21), for receiving a second coupling member (12) formed on the tool (1) and separate from the first coupling member (11); - a locking system (400) for the second coupling member (12) in the second housing (22), the locking system (400) comprising at least one locking piece (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 exit the second housing (22); - an indication system (500) configured to provide information relating to the state of the coupling between the second coupling element (12) and the second housing (22), said information being perceptible by an operator from a cab (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 in a movable manner 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 forced by the first return means (501) towards its extended position in which said detection member (100) protrudes 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 sensing member (100) between a rest position and an actuation position, and a second return means (502), the rocker arm (200) being actuated by the a second return means (502) to its rest position; - a stop (404) integral with the locking piece (401), said stop (404) being configured to cooperate with a bearing surface (201) provided on the rocker arm (200) when the locking piece (401) is in the locked position and, when the locking piece (401) is in the unlocked position, said stop (404) being located at a distance from the bearing surface (201) of the rocker arm (200) over the entire stroke of the rocker arm (200) between its rest and actuation 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 actuation position, an 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 actuation position, against the force of the second return means (502), due to the following cumulative events: - the fact that the sensing 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 piece (401) when the locking piece (401) moves towards and into its locking position; the rocker arm (200) thus causing the indicator device (300) to pass 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 movablely mounted on the rocker (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 (200) in a movable rotational manner about an axis (A300) fixed to the rocker (200).

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

5. Coupler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the moving element (301) is elongated and comprises a first extreme part (302) mounted on the rocker (200) in a movable rotational manner about an axis (A300) fixed to the rocker (200) and a second extreme part (303) mounted substantially sliding in a guide channel (34, 506) formed on the body (20) of the coupler (5).

6. Coupler according to any 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 out of the body (20) of the coupler (5).

7. Coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the body (20) of the coupler (5) has a hole (36) through which a part (303) of the indicator device (300) protrudes out of 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 from 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 any 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 any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensing member (100) is mounted on the body (20) of the coupler (5) in a movable rotational manner about an axis (A100) fixed to the body (20) of the coupler (5).

10. Coupler according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensing member (100) comprises a connection zone (103) with the body (20) of the coupler (5), a connection zone (108) with the rocker (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 (200) and the contact face (105) forming substantially a V, the apex of which is formed by said connection zone (103) with the body (20) of the coupler (5) and the ends of which are formed one by the connection zone (108) with the rocker (200) and the other by the contact face (105).

11. Coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rocker (200) is mounted on the sensing member (100) in a movable rotational manner about an axis (A200) fixed to the sensing member (100).

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

13. Coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the locking system (400) comprises a base (403) on which the locking piece (401) is fixed and on which the stop (404) is provided, and in that the assembly comprising the base (403), the locking piece (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 piece (401) partially protrudes into the second housing (22) and the unlocking position, where the locking piece (401) does not protrude into the second housing (22).

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

15. Construction equipment (10), such as a hydraulic excavator, comprising a cab (9) for an operator and an arm (2), characterized in that it comprises a coupler (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, said coupler (5) being mounted at the end of the arm (2).

16. Device 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 protrudes out of the body (20) of the coupler (5) protrudes in the direction of the cabin (9), so as to be visible by an operator located in the cabin (9).

17. Device according to claim 15, the coupler (5) conforming to the re- demand 8, characterized in that it further comprises an acoustic or visual device (17) for disseminating 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-attach assembly (3) of a tool (1) on the end of an arm (2) of a work machine (10), said quick-attach assembly (3) comprising a coupler (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a tool (1) having a first coupling member (11) suitable for being received in the first housing (21) of the coupler (5) and a second coupling member (12) suitable for being received in the second housing (22) of the coupler (5).

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