Three-point hitch device for a plough, in particular for a reversible mounted plough, and plough provided with such a device

Abstract

Three-point hitch device for a plough, in particular for a reversible mounted plough, and plough provided with such a device The invention relates to a three-point hitch device (1) for a plough comprising a support body (1') on which is mounted a jib (5) composed of a fixed rear part (6) and a movable front part (6') which carries the upper hitch point (2'') and which is doubly articulated at its lower end (6'') relative to the jib frame (6) and to the support body (1'), this by two pivoting assemblies, namely, on the one hand, around a first axis (AP1) perpendicular to the reference plane (PR) and, on the other hand, around a second axis (AP2) perpendicular to the first axis (AP1) and located in the reference plane (PR), the pivoting around the second axis (AP2) making it possible to modify the inclination of the arm mobile (6') relative to the fixed jib frame (6).Coupling device (1) characterized in that it also comprises a self-aligning means (7) configured to bring the movable arm (6') towards a determined rotational position around the first axis (AP1) during a pivoting of the movable arm (6') towards the jib frame (6) around the second axis (AP2). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Three-point hitch device for a plough, in particular for a reversible mounted plough, and plough provided with such a device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery, in particular ploughs coupled to a tractor vehicle during their use and transport, in particular ploughs of the reversible mounted type. In this context, the invention relates to a three-point coupling device for a plough, in particular for a reversible mounted plough, as well as a plough provided with such a device.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a three-point hitch device for a plough, in particular for a reversible mounted plough, with two lower attachment points movable in a so-called reference plane and an upper attachment point, this device comprising a support body on which is mounted a jib composed of two parts, namely, seen in the direction of advance, a rear part forming a fixed jib frame and a front part forming a movable arm and carrying the upper attachment point, the movable arm being doubly articulated at its lower end relative to the jib frame and to the support body, this by two pivoting assemblies, namely, on the one hand, around a first axis perpendicular to the reference plane and, on the other hand, around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and located in the reference plane,pivoting around the second axis allowing the inclination of the mobile arm to be modified in relation to the fixed jib frame.

[0003] Such a coupling device is known in particular from the following documents: FR 3126841, FR 3126842 and FR 3126843, in the name of the applicant. This two-part coupling device is particularly suitable for a plough equipped with a wheel which is supported on the ground in the transport configuration. For transport, the frame of the plough rests on the ground by means of the wheel and on the tractor by being coupled in particular to the two lower attachment points. The upper attachment point is movable relative to the rear part of the jib to adapt to any unevenness of the ground during movement. The plough is therefore pulled behind the tractor like a trailer.

[0004] This coupling device can move from a transport configuration in which the front part of the jib tilts on the one hand around the horizontal axis articulation and on the other hand pivots around the vertical axis articulation, to a working configuration in which the front and rear parts of the jib are integral with each other. to each other. The front and rear parts are mechanically secured to each other by means of a locking means.

[0005] In the transport configuration of the plough, the front part of the jib has a degree of freedom in rotation about a vertical axis articulation (first axis) to follow the tractor, in particular for better mobility when turning. The front part also has a degree of freedom in rotation about a horizontal axis to allow the plough to follow unevenness when traveling on roads and paths.

[0006] In the working configuration, the front part is blocked by mechanical connection with locking with the rear part as indicated above.

[0007] However, to return to a working configuration (front part blocked) from a transport configuration (front part free), the tractor's lift is lowered and the front part tilts towards the rear part.

[0008] In some cases, the front part may not be correctly oriented (it may be completely crooked) and the front part may then be deformed / broken.

[0009] Furthermore, if the orientation of the front part is not correct when changing the configuration, it will be impossible to lower the locking means and therefore to use the plow for plowing.

[0010] The present invention aims to propose a solution making it possible to overcome this drawback.

[0011] To this end, it relates to a coupling device of the type referred to in the introduction above, characterized in that it also comprises a self-alignment means configured to bring the movable arm towards a determined rotational position around the first axis during a pivoting of the movable arm in the direction of the jib frame around the second axis.

[0012] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0013] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a plow in a transport configuration in accordance with the invention, the front part of the bracket of the coupling device of this plough being oriented with inclination relative to its two pivot axes relative to its rear part;

[0014] [Fig.2] is a representation of the coupling device of the plough of [Fig. 1], from the same perspective but on a different scale;

[0015] [Fig.3] is a perspective view from the rear of the coupling device, in which the front part of the bracket is aligned with the rear part, the coupling device being in the working configuration and the self-aligning means being in the engaged position according to another exemplary embodiment (compared to that of the [Fig.2]), the bottom wall of the rear part of the stem having been removed for better viewing;

[0016] [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B] are partial perspective views, in two different directions, of the coupling device shown in Figures 1 and 2, a side wall of the rear part of the bracket ([Fig.4A]) and a side part of the front part of the bracket ([Fig.4B]) having been removed to better visualize the self-alignment means according to the invention;

[0017] [Fig.5] is a perspective view substantially similar to that of [Fig.4A], but in a slightly different direction and with the self-aligning means in a retracted and unengaged position;

[0018] [Fig.6] is a partial perspective view of the object of [Fig.4B];

[0019] [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] are perspective views in two different directions of an embodiment of the self-aligning means, substantially Y-shaped, forming part of the coupling device according to the invention.

[0020] The invention relates to a coupling device (1) with three attachment points (2, 2', 2”) for a plough (3), in particular for a reversible mounted plough, with two lower attachment points (2, 2') movable in a so-called reference plane (PR) and an upper attachment point (2”). This coupling device (1) comprises a support body (1') on which is mounted a jib (5) composed of two parts (6 and 6'), namely, seen in the direction of advance (A), a rear part (6) forming a fixed jib frame and a front part (6') forming a movable arm and carrying the upper attachment point (2”).The movable arm (6') is doubly articulated at its lower end (6”) relative to the jib frame (6) and to the support body (1'), this by two pivoting assemblies, namely, on the one hand, around a first axis (API) perpendicular to the reference plane (PR) and, on the other hand, around a second axis (AP2) perpendicular to the first axis (API) and located in the reference plane (PR), the pivoting around the second axis (AP2) making it possible to modify the inclination of the movable arm (6') relative to the fixed jib frame (6).

[0021] [Fig.l] represents a plough (3) comprising a frame (3') with ploughing bodies (3”), at least one wheel (3”') and a coupling device (1) with a bracket (5; 6, 6'). This is a coupling device (1) with three attachment points (2, 2', 2”) for its coupling to the rear of a tractor (not shown). The plough (3) is said to be carried. The frame (3') carries two groups of ploughing bodies (3”) arranged on either side for ploughing work respectively to the right and to the left relative to a direction of advance (A). The plough (3) represented is reversible. The frame (3') is connected to a support body (1') of the coupling device (1) carrying the jib (5) by a pivot connection defining a turning axis (AR) for switching from one working configuration to another. The wheel (3'”) is mounted at the rear of the frame (3'), it can also be mounted laterally on the frame (3'). The wheel (3'”) ensures the regulation of the ploughing depth in the working configuration and relieves the three-point hitch of the tractor during transport. In fact, the load of the plough (3) is distributed on the one hand on the tractor via the hitch (1) and on the other hand on the wheel (3”) which is supported on the ground. The plough (3) is shown in its transport configuration in [Fig. 1]. In this transport configuration, the upper hitch point (2”), associated with the upper connecting rod (not visible), is made free so that the plough (3) can follow the unevenness of the ground. This upper hitch point (2”) is tripled in the attached figures. The jib (5) has three hitch positions at different heights for the upper hitch point (2”).The choice of the attachment position of the upper connecting rod is made according to the tractor and the desired adjustment of the convergence point. The plough (3) is thus pulled behind the tractor like a trailer by being attached by the lower attachment points (2 and 2').

[0022] Figures 2 to 6 illustrate more particularly the coupling device (1) with three attachment points (2, 2', 2”) for a plough (3), in particular for a reversible mounted plough. This coupling device (1) comprises a jib (5) composed of two constituent parts (6 and 6'), namely, seen in the direction of advance (A), a rear part (6) forming a fixed jib frame, rigidly secured to the support body (1') which carries it, and a front part (6') forming a movable arm. The front part (6') carries the upper attachment point (2”) and the rear part (6) carries the two lower attachment points (2, 2'), via the support body (1'). In the embodiment shown, the two lower attachment points (2, 2') are provided on a coupling crossmember (4).This crosspiece (4) is mounted, with the ability to rotate and translate, between two plates forming part of the support body (1') and arranged under the jib (5) and in particular under the rear part (6). The two plates receiving the crosspiece (4) between them define the reference plane (PR) as shown in Figures 2 and 4B. The movable arm (6') is doubly articulated at its lower end (6”) relative to the support body (1') and to the jib frame (6), this by two pivoting assemblies, on the one hand, around a first axis (API) perpendicular to the reference plane (PR) and, on the other hand, around a second axis (AP2) perpendicular to the first axis (API) and located in the reference plane (PR). These two pivoting joints together form a universal joint between the movable arm (6') and the support body (1').The pivoting of the movable arm (6') around the first axis (API), in conjunction with the rotation of the crosspiece (4), makes it possible to modify the inclination of the axis of the frame (3') of the plough (3) relative to the longitudinal median axis of the tractor, and therefore for the plough (3) to follow the tractor by rolling on the wheel (3”). The ability to pivot around the first axis (API) improves the . maneuverability of the plow (3) in transport configuration. The plow performs better tracking of the tractor when traveling on roads. Pivoting about the second axis (AP2) makes it possible to modify the inclination of the movable arm (6') relative to the fixed jib frame (6). Thanks to the articulation about the second axis (AP2), the movable arm (6') is capable of pivoting forwards or backwards, depending on the direction of advance (A), relative to the jib frame (6). Pivoting about the first and second axes (API, AP2) is not possible or permitted in the working configuration since the movable arm (6') is then locked against the jib frame (6), the upper part of the movable arm (6') being rigidly secured to the fixed rear part (6) of the jib by the locking means (15) as shown in Figures 3 and 4A.For further details on the construction and operation of such a coupling device, reference is made to the three FR documents mentioned above.

[0023] [Fig.2] shows the coupling device (1), on a larger scale, but with the same orientation as in [Fig. 1]. In the transport configuration, when the front part (6') of the jib (5) is released (from the fixed rear part), the plough (3) can follow behind the tractor. The front part (6') can then pivot, around the first axis (API), to follow in bends and swing back and forth, around the second axis (AP2), to follow the variations in road height. The second axis (AP2) extends above the turning axis (AR), it is substantially perpendicular to the turning axis (AR). The front part (6') is found in such a position, shown in [Fig.2], when taking a right turn. The front part (6') is not aligned with the rear part (6), it has pivoted relative to the first axis (API) and the second axis (AP2).The degree of freedom in rotation around the first axis (API), substantially vertical, makes it possible to improve the maneuverability of the plow and to ensure better tracking of the tractor in bends. The degree of freedom in rotation around the second axis (AP2), substantially horizontal, makes it possible to follow the unevenness of the ground when traveling on roads and paths. The second axis (AP2) is advantageously arranged above the turning axis (AR) of the plow (3). The rotation of the front part (6') around the first axis (API) is limited by stops (13, 13') to ensure that the movable arm (6') does not damage the jib frame (6) in the transport configuration.

[0024] According to the invention, the coupling device (1) also comprises a self-aligning means (7) configured to bring the movable arm (6') towards a determined rotational position around the first axis (API) during a pivoting of the movable arm (6') towards the jib frame (6) around the second axis (AP2). Advantageously, the self-aligning means (7) progressively gives the movable arm (6') a suitable orientation (convergence towards the rotational position determined) as it swings backwards, towards the stem frame (6).

[0025] Thanks to these provisions, the invention makes it possible to control the position of the movable arm (6') when changing from a transport configuration to a working configuration of the plough (3), and to ensure that the movable arm (6') is always correctly oriented when it tilts towards the jib frame (6). The presence of the self-aligning means (7) on one of the rear or front parts (6, 6') of the jib (5) makes it possible to avoid any risk of deformation, or even breakage, of the movable arm (6') or the jib frame (6). Indeed, a correct orientation of the movable arm (6') around the first axis (API) is given when it swings backwards towards the jib frame (6) by means of the self-aligning means (7). Such a tilting of the movable arm (6') backwards naturally takes place when changing the configuration of the plough (3), in particular when changing from the transport configuration to the working configuration.In the working configuration, the mobile arm (6') must be secured by locking to the jib frame (6). The correct orientation of the mobile arm (6') must also be ensured in the transport position in the case of a hill climb since the mobile arm (6') tilts backwards. The risk of damage to the mobile arm exists in both cases mentioned when it is incorrectly oriented around the axis (API).

[0026] In accordance with an important characteristic of the invention, the rotational position determined around the first axis (API) of the movable arm (6') corresponds to a rotational position in which the movable arm (6') is aligned with the jib frame (6). This determined rotational position allows locking of the movable arm (6') with the jib frame (6) when the inclination between them is less than a minimum angle (Amin). The locking of the movable arm (6') when it is aligned with the jib frame (6) can be done automatically or manually using the locking means (15).

[0027] In Figures 3 and 4A, this alignment results in a confusion of the median plane (of symmetry) perpendicular to the secondary axis (AP2) with the median plane of the jib frame (6), which includes the turning axis (AR) and corresponds to the median plane of the coupling device (1). Thanks to this automatic alignment during its tilting, the locked connection of the movable arm (6') with the jib frame (6) can take place, in its final tilting position against the jib frame (6), by lowering (manually or automatically) the locking means (15).

[0028] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the alignment means (7) is produced by the lower end (6”) rear of the movable arm (6') - cut-out rear wall part of the movable arm (6') of the jib (5). The alignment means (7) is engaged on a projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or support body (1'). The projecting part (8) is provided on the jib frame (6) or on the support body (1'). The self-aligning means (7) is advantageously symmetrical with respect to a median vertical plane passing through the turning axis (AR) of the plough (3). The coupling device (1) and the turning support of the plough (3) are shown in a working configuration in this [Fig.3]. For better viewing from the rear, the bottom wall of the fixed rear part (6) of the jib (5) has been removed. In this working configuration, the front part (6') is aligned with the rear part (6). The position of the front part (6') against the rear part (6) is locked by means of the locking means (15). Thanks to this self-alignment means (7), the movable arm (6') is in an adequate position and orientation relative to the jib frame or the fixed part (6) when moving from the transport configuration to the working position of the plough.Thus, the self-aligning means (7) brings the movable arm (6') to a determined rotational position around the first axis (API) during a pivoting of the movable arm (6') towards the jib frame (6) around the second axis (AP2). In this way, the movable arm (6') is always recentered relative to the jib frame (6) when it tilts backwards. This self-aligning means (7) advantageously has contact zones (9, 9') intended to come into engagement with the projecting part (8) and to achieve progressive centering by cooperation with the projecting part (8) during a tilting movement of the movable arm (6') towards the jib frame (6).

[0029] In a particularly advantageous manner, it is provided that the self-aligning means (7) is a part added to one or other of the parts (6, 6') constituting the jib (5). Preferably and according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7A and 7B, the self-aligning means (7) is fixed to the movable arm (6'). The self-aligning means (7) preferably extends in the lower part of the movable arm (6'). The self-aligning means (7) is positioned so as to come into contact with the jib frame (6) or the support body (1') of the coupling device (1), and in particular with the projecting part (8). The self-aligning means (7) extends between the rear and front parts (6, 6') of the jib (5).In order to compensate for mounting clearances, to allow a certain freedom of cooperation and to guarantee positioning with effective contact with the projecting part (8) beyond the limit inclination angle (Alim), the self-aligning means (7) is advantageously elastically stressed for engagement with a projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6). This engagement with support under elastic stress, which is effective from a limit inclination angle (Alim), tends to stress the movable arm (6'), on which the self-aligning means (7) is mounted, towards the determined rotational position. With a self-aligning means (7) in the form of . of part attached to the mobile arm (6'), and mobile relative to the latter, one can avoid a precise adjustment of the assembly of the jib (5).

[0030] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the self-aligning means (7) is an added part, comprising an elongated rear part (7') by which it is mounted movable in translation on the movable arm (6') and a front part (7”) intended to come into engagement with a projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or of the support body (1'). This front part (7”) advantageously has contact zones (9, 9') intended to come into engagement with the projecting part (8) and to achieve progressive centering by cooperation with the projecting part (8) during a tilting movement of the movable arm (6') towards the jib frame (6). Preferably, the contact zones (9, 9') intended to come into engagement with the projecting part (8) extend to the rear of the first axis (API) taking into account the direction of advance (A). The self-aligning means (7) extends above the turning axis (AR) of the plough.The self-aligning means (7) is arranged essentially vertically, the front part (7”), in particular the contact zones (9, 9'), is directed downwards.

[0031] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the self-aligning means (7) is a part added and guided in translation longitudinally on the movable arm (6') by means of two cooperating pin (10, 11) / oblong hole (10', 11') arrangements, the first arrangement (10, 10') of which advantageously also serves for securing the self-aligning means (7) with the movable arm (6') and the second arrangement (11, 11') of which advantageously also serves for transmitting the elastic stress. The orientation of each oblong hole (10' and 11') is parallel to the first axis (API). The oblong hole (10', 11') is oriented substantially vertically.

[0032] According to a practical embodiment, emerging from figures 2 to 7 by way of example, the self-aligning means (7) is held by elastic constraint in an extreme sliding position towards the lower end (6”) of the movable arm (6'), without being in contact with the projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or of the support body (1'), when the angle of inclination between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6) is greater than the limit angle of inclination (Alim). The elastic constraint on the self-aligning means (7) is essentially vertical.

[0033] These two possible aspects of the invention and this embodiment each result in simple and inexpensive solutions, capable of being integrated into an existing coupling device (advantageously that resulting from the aforementioned FR documents) as improvements, without the need to modify the construction of said device and without interfering with its other functionalities.

[0034] In order to guarantee a determined non-operational position of the self-aligning means (7), which allows its engagement with the projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) as soon as the movable arm (6') exceeds the limit inclination angle (Alim), it may be provided that the self-aligning part (7) is held by elastic constraint in an extreme sliding position towards the lower end (6”) of the movable arm (6'), without being in contact with the projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or of the support body (1'), when the inclination angle between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6) is greater than the limit inclination angle (Alim).

[0035] For example, the limit tilt angle (Alim) can be between 10° and 20° and the minimum angle (Amin) for locking can be between 1° and 5°.

[0036] The self-aligning means (7), and more particularly its front part (7') intended to come into engagement cooperating with the projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6), can have various shapes depending on the shape of the part (8). The shapes of the front part (7') are diverse provided that their cooperation by coming into mutual contact gradually results in the desired alignment between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6), when they are brought together by tilting the movable arm (6').

[0037] However, and in accordance with an advantageous variant embodiment, emerging from figures 2 to 7, the self-aligning means (7) consists of a plate having a substantially Y-shaped contour, with a front part (7') substantially V-shaped and comprising two internal inclined slopes (9 and 9') for concurrent guidance, the region of the bottom of the V advantageously having a shape substantially complementary to that of a projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or of the support body (1'), with which this front part (7') is intended to come into engagement, for example a shape as shown in one of figures 7.

[0038] In order to avoid the implementation of additional parts and to provide a simple, reliable and robust solution, the projecting part (8) of the support body (1') or of the stem frame (6) engaged by the self-aligning means (7) corresponds to a yoke providing the first pivot axis (API). This part (8) comes into engagement with the self-aligning means (7) for example between the two teeth or forks of its front part (7') as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6.

[0039] According to a possible practical construction of the coupling device (1), the latter may comprise a pivoting support part (12) mounted articulated with the jib frame (6) or the support body (1') by means of the first pivot axis (API) and on which the movable arm (6') is mounted articulated, by means of the second pivot axis (AP2). This pivoting support part (12) advantageously comprises stop means (13, 13') limiting the rotary excursion of the movable arm (6') relative to the rotational position determined around the first axis (API), for example by interaction with the self-aligning means (7), also beyond a limit inclination angle (Alim) between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6) around the second axis (AP2). The stop means (13, 13') extend behind the first axis (API).

[0040] As shown more precisely in [Fig.6], this pivot support part (12) corresponds substantially to the crosspiece of a universal joint formed between the fork yoke (8) and the movable arm (6') by the two pivot axes (API and AP2), perpendicular to each other, but not mutually intersecting in the present case.

[0041] Advantageously, the limitation of the rotary excursion of the movable arm (6') by the stop means (13, 13'), for example by contact with the projecting part (8) engaged by the self-aligning part (7), is such that the latter always comes into engagement with the part (8) as soon as the movable arm (6') reaches a tilting position around the second axis (AP2) corresponding to the limit inclination angle (Alim) between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6).

[0042] The invention also relates, as shown by way of example in [Fig.l], to a plough (3), in particular a reversible mounted plough, comprising a coupling device (1) with three attachment points (2, 2', 2”) mounted at the front of the frame (3') of the plough (3) carrying the ploughing bodies (3”), this plough (3) being characterised in that the coupling device is a coupling device (1) as described above.

[0043] Preferably, the support body (1'), which integrates the bracket (5) and the coupling device (1) receiving and guiding the crosspiece (4), and the frame (3') are connected to each other by a pivot connection (14) defining the turning axis (AR). According to [Fig.l], the coupling device (1) is provided at the front of the plough. In the case of a reversible plough as shown in [Fig.l], the frame (3') is connected to the coupling device (1) via a drive support (16) which allows the transition from one working configuration to another or from a working configuration to the transport configuration. The drive support (16) and therefore the frame (3') pivots using a turning actuator (16') around the turning axis (AR).

[0044] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the self-alignment means (7) configured to accompany the backward tilting of the movable arm (6') around the second axis (AP2) towards a determined rotational position around the first axis (API) can be provided on the jib frame (6). The projecting part (8) is then provided on the movable arm (6'). The shapes intended to come into contact with each other are substantially complementary in order to ensure correct guidance and centering.

[0045] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Coupling device (1) with three attachment points (2, 2', 2”) for a plough (3), in particular for a reversible mounted plough, with two lower attachment points (2, 2') movable in a so-called reference plane (PR) and an upper attachment point (2”), this device (1) comprising a support body (1') on which is mounted a jib (5) composed of two parts (6 and 6'), namely, seen in the direction of advance (A), a rear part (6) forming a fixed jib frame and a front part (6') forming a movable arm and carrying the upper attachment point (2”), the movable arm (6') being doubly articulated at its lower end (6”) relative to the jib frame (6) and to the support body (1'), this by two pivoting assemblies, namely, on the one hand, around a first axis (API) perpendicular to the reference plane (PR) and, on the other hand,around a second axis (AP2) perpendicular to the first axis (API) and located in the reference plane (PR), the pivoting around the second axis (AP2) making it possible to modify the inclination of the movable arm (6') relative to the fixed jib frame (6), coupling device (1) characterized in that it also comprises a self-alignment means (7) configured to bring the movable arm (6') towards a determined rotational position around the first axis (API) during a pivoting of the movable arm (6') in the direction of the jib frame (6) around the second axis (AP2).,

2. Coupling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotational position determined around the first axis (API) of the movable arm (6') corresponds to a rotational position in which the movable arm (6') is aligned with the jib frame (6), this determined rotational position allowing locking of the movable arm (6') with the jib frame (6) when the inclination between them is less than a minimum angle (Amin).

3. Coupling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the self-aligning means (7) is elastically biased for engagement with a projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or the support body (1'), this engagement with support under elastic stress, which is effective from a limit inclination angle (Alim) between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6), tending to bias the movable arm (6'), on which the self-aligning means (7) is mounted, towards the determined rotational position.

4. Coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the self-aligning means (7) is an added part, comprising an elongated rear part (7') by which it is mounted movable in translation on the movable arm (6') and a front part (7”) intended to come into engagement with a projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or of the support body (1'), this front part (7”) advantageously having contact zones (9, 9') intended to come into engagement with the projecting part (8) and to achieve progressive centering by cooperation with the projecting part (8) during a tilting movement of the movable arm (6') towards the jib frame (6).

5. Coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the self-aligning means (7) is an added part and guided in longitudinal translation on the movable arm (6') by means of two cooperating pin (10, 11) / oblong hole (10', 11') arrangements, the first arrangement (10, 10') of which advantageously also serves for securing the self-aligning means (7) with the movable arm (6') and the second arrangement (11, 11') of which advantageously also serves for transmitting the elastic stress.

6. Coupling device (1) according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the self-aligning means (7) is held by elastic constraint in an extreme sliding position towards the lower end (6”) of the movable arm (6'), without being in contact with the projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or of the support body (1'), when the angle of inclination between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6) is greater than the limit angle of inclination (Alim).

7. Coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the self-aligning means (7) is mounted movably on the movable arm (6), is located between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6) and advantageously has a symmetrical structure along a longitudinal plane.

8. A coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the self-aligning means (7) consists of a plate having a substantially Y-shaped contour, with a substantially V-shaped front portion (7') and comprising two internal inclined guide slopes (9 and 9') concurrently, the bottom region of the V advantageously having a shape substantially complementary to that of a projecting part (8) of the jib frame (6) or of the support body (1'), with which this front part (7') is intended to come into engagement.

9. Coupling device (1) according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 8, insofar as they relate to claim 3, characterized in that the projecting part (8) of the support body (1') or of the jib frame (6) engaged by the self-aligning means (7) corresponds to a yoke providing the first pivot axis (API).

10. Coupling device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a pivot support part (12) mounted articulated with the jib frame (6) or the support body (1') by means of the first pivot axis (API) and on which is mounted articulated, by means of the second pivot axis (AP2), the movable arm (6'), this pivot support part (12) comprising stop means (13, 13') limiting the rotary excursion of the movable arm (6') relative to the rotational position determined around the first axis (API), for example by interaction with the self-alignment means (7), also beyond a limit inclination angle (Alim) between the movable arm (6') and the jib frame (6) around the second axis (AP2).

11. Plough (3), in particular a reversible mounted plough, comprising a coupling device (1) with three attachment points (2, 2', 2”) mounted at the front of the frame (3') of the plough (3) carrying the ploughing bodies (3”), plough (3) characterised in that the coupling device (1) is a coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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